The T.B. Scott Free Library continues to “Rock On” through the summer!

Grab your blankets and chairs and your picnic basket full of goodies to enjoy on Friday, July 27. Relax on the library lawn as you listen to some great music!

The rockin’ starts at 4:30 p.m. with some tunes from the local band, Winchester, with musicians Paul Waid and Andy Ament. It is sure to be a great evening on the library lawn.

Please note that it is library policy that there be no alcoholic beverages at the event.

Please stay tuned for future events as T.B. Scott Free Library rocks all summer long!

Find out what’s happening at your library at www.tbscottlibrary.org, @TBScottFreeLibrary on Facebook, or by calling 715-536-7191.

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July 11
6:27 a.m.- An officer responded to a one vehicle crash. The caller had woken to find a vehicle in their yard and damage done to the grass. Contact was made with the driver, who had left the scene. The driver advised they lost control of the vehicle while using a blue tooth system in the vehicle. The driver was issued numerous citations.

July 12
9:13 a.m.- An officer took a male party into custody on a probation violation. He was transported to the jail.

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Orville Allen Verpoorten passed away on July 11, 2018 in his home with his wife at his side.

Born on January 21, 1945 to the late James and Violet Verpoorten and grew to have an avid love for the outdoors, and Gale Rae Kramm whom he married on October 24, 1964, a notably beautiful autumn day. He spent a fruitful 53 years together with her and raised a lovely family who he loved very much.

Orville is survived by his wife Gale, his children, Michelle Verpoorten Lafayette IA, Michael Verpoorten Athens WI, Yvette(Pat)Chieves Merrill WI, Jason(Kathy) Verpoorten Tomahawk WI and Terri(Roy) Parker Wausau WI, his 13 grandchildren, and 1 great grandson. Orville’s memory will forever be held in the hearts of his family, while he is finally reunited in eternity with Jesus Christ.

A service will be held on Saturday July 21, 2018 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 12625 9th Lane, Town of Hamburg, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

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The Northcentral Technical College (NTC) Foundation is pleased to award scholarships for the Fall 2018 term to the following local students: GLEASON- Dillon Gnewuch, Alexander Pfingsten, Luke Pfingsten, Brandon Rusch; IRMA- Jacob Grund, Tammy Kautz, McKayla Pankow; MERRILL- Kelsey Amelse, Zachary Becker, Kaitlin Bronsteatter, Lindsey Casper, Jacob Dawson, Hollie Dewar, Christina Doering, Rachel Ellerman, Courtney Erdman, Anna Finnell, Tyler Gehrdes, Monica Gruetzmacher, Shannon Halder, Becky Holzem, Olivia Hostvedt, Jacob Johnson, Lisa Krueger, Hillary Lau, Ryan Leskela, Emily Nylund, Tyler Parr, Konnor Peterson, Troy Pike, Benjamin Rasmussen, Megan Sczygelski, Angela Shorey, Keith Wegner, Zachariah Weix, Tamela Wessling, Noah Wilmink, Robin Woller, Ashley Zick; TOMAHAWK- Samantha Bjelland, Bethany Bunce, Leah Foster, Emma Gane, Makenzie Karlen, Danielle Kurth, Tyler Larch, Tabitha Mayer, Cayton Scholz, Quintin Triplett.

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A 63-year-old Merrill woman was injured Monday morning after a crash in the Town of Corning. The woman went off the shoulder of the road then over-corrected causing her to lose control and go off the road striking several trees.

Three people were injured, one seriously, after a three vehicle crash Monday evening in the Town of Bradley. The crash happened on US Hwy. 8 at County Rd. L at 4:17 p.m. An eastbound vehicle turned into the path of a westbound vehicle which then collided with a third vehicle waiting at the stop sign. The injured were transported by ambulance and one was later flown to a trauma center. A portion of US Hwy. 8 was blocked for about an hour after the crash.

A 54-year-old Merrill man was arrested Thursday morning on a criminal traffic charge. A deputy found the man passed out behind the wheel of his vehicle on State Rd. 107 at Hillcrest Drive just after 2 a.m. He was arrested for a third offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Three people were injured after a two vehicle crash Thursday in the Town of Pine River. Just after noon, a vehicle traveling south on State Rd. 17 pulled out and struck an eastbound vehicle on State Rd. 64. Occupants of the vehicles were transported to by ambulance and were treated and released. Traffic at the intersection was restricted for about an hour as the scene was cleared.

A 48-year-old Wausau woman was arrested Saturday evening on a felony charge. Just after 10 p.m. deputies located a vehicle in the ditch on Norwegian Road in the Town of Merrill. The woman was placed through field sobriety tests and taken into custody for a felony fourth offense of operating while intoxicated. The charge will have an enhancer as the woman was operating with a passenger under the age of 16.

A 29-year-old Merrill man was cited early Sunday morning after deputies found a crash in the Town of Pine River on County Rd. W near County Rd. P just after 2:30 a.m. The driver was walking near the crash site and admitted drinking prior to the crash. He was cited for a first offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

The number of car deer crashes is lower with nine being reported this past week. An eagle was found struck and killed on US Hwy. 51 north of County Rd. A Monday morning.

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Join Kate Williams, a member of 4-H for over 15 years, as she presents a 4-H program for children in grades 3 through 6. The program, will be a hands on opportunity for youth to explore electricity and circuits. The first STEM Activity (an activity that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to spark critical thinking and creativity) will allow youth to create a circuit from play dough, batteries, wires and LED lights. Squishy circuits, as they are called, help youth learn about electricity in a fun and safe way. This will be followed by an opportunity to learn more about electricity by making a Lava Lamp.

In the course of the program, Kate will share her personal experience with the Lincoln County 4-H program which is free to all. 4-H supports families with children who work together to learn new skills, gain real-life experience, and develop their leadership potential while at the same time having fun and serving the local community.

The Youth Summer Library Program is winding down for the summer. But there is still time to attend this and other fabulous library programs. Keep reading and learning and earning prizes if you are registered for the reading club through the end of the day on Tuesday, July 31.

Upcoming youth library events at a glance include:
Thursday, July 19, 2 p.m.- Minecraft Club (grades 3 and up)
Monday, July 23. 10 a.m.- Family Storytime (ages 3 and up)
Tuesday, July 24, 9:30 a.m.- Drop-in Lego Club (ages 5 and up w/adult)
Wednesday, July 25, 10 a.m.- Fox & Branch (Family Event at PRMS)
Wednesday, July 25, Noon- Lunch Bunch (for next year’s grades 3 – 5)

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Crime Stoppers of Lincoln County needs your help.

The Merrill Police Department is investigating a series of crimes occurring on Merrill’s west side during the early morning hours of July 5, 2018. Two homes were entered while the occupants were inside and sleeping. Several garage and vehicle entries occurring the same morning in the same area. Cash, lottery tickets, a bicycle and a knife are among items taken.

If you have information about these crimes, call Crime Stoppers at 715-536-3726, submit online tips at www.p3tips.com or find Lincoln County Crime Stoppers on Facebook. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may qualify for a reward.

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Mildred “Millie” J. Martin, age 92, of Wausau, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.  She was born on September 29, 1925 to the late Frances “Frank” & Edna (Breitenstein) Kandzora in Wisconsin Rapids.  Millie attended and graduated from the Wausau High School.  She met Glenn Martin, and the two exchanged marriage vows on September 22, 1951 in Wausau.  Sadly, he preceded her in death on June 26, 1990.

Millie was employed as an executive secretary for the CEO of Employer’s Mutual (now known as Liberty Mutual) for many years.  She also worked at Merrill Woolen Mills and the Lincoln County Clerks Office.  Mildred retired in 1987 from the Lincoln County Treasury Office, where she was a clerk.  She loved her work and her co-workers, and prided herself on her organizational skills, and balancing the books to the penny!  In their younger years, Millie and Glenn flew small, private airplanes around Wisconsin and neighboring states for their enjoyment.  Millie was an advocate for her son, Greg, and did a 5-year long patterning program period for him, and she was so proud of his improvement, which was to the point of walking, having a good vocabulary and social skills.  She was very active in his life.  Millie is remembered as a patient, helpful, supportive and creative woman, who always put the needs of others first.  She was an exceptionally devoted mother, grandma and great grandma.  Millie had a sweet spirit, and was the “best mother-in-law a guy could ask for!”  She was fortunate enough to be able to spend time with her new great granddaughter, Maddie.  Millie had a love for all animals and birds, especially cardinals.  She was a member at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill.  Millie was a devout Catholic, whose faith meant a great deal to her and saw her through difficult times.

Millie will be lovingly remembered by her daughter: Ann (Todd) Anderson, grandson: Richard Anderson, all of Wausau, granddaughter: Amy (Andy) Sondelski of Mosinee, with their daughter: Maddie Jane Sondelski, sister: Margorie Hovind and sister-in-law: Carol Krieg, both of Wausau, niece: Kathryn Krieg and nephew: Ken Krieg.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Glenn Martin, son: Gregory Martin, infant sons: Richard and Daniel and brother-in-laws: Neil Hovind and Sy Krieg.

A Funeral Liturgy for Millie will be held on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at 11am at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill.  Deacon Jim Arndt will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 from 4-8pm and again on Thursday, July 19 from 10am until the time of the liturgy, all held at the funeral home.  Burial at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery will immediately follow the liturgy.

Family wishes to extend their appreciation to the staff at Applegate and the staff in the Palliative Care Unit at Aspirus for their wonderful care and support that they gave Millie and her family.

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 Tomahawk/Merrill Community Bank 10U city league softball team took first place this year with a perfect record of 11-0.

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Carol A. Krause, age 80, of Merrill, passed away on Monday, July 16, 2018, at her residence.  Carol was born on October 28, 1937 to the late Edward and Mildred (Gremler) Kunkel in Merrill.  She attended and graduated from Merrill High School.  Carol married the love of her life, Roger Krause in 1957, in Merrill.  He preceded her in death in 2004.

Carol worked as a certified nursing assistant, first at Pine Crest Nursing Home, and then at Bell Tower Residence, where she had been for many years.  She enjoyed cooking, canning tomatoes and going camping with her family.  Carol was a very outgoing person that liked to talk to everyone.  She always seemed to be laughing, or at least had a smile on her face.  Carol would look forward to her trips to Prairie Pines with her son.  She was a former member at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ.  She will be sadly missed.

Carol is survived by her two sons: Warren (Jeanette) Krause and Steven Krause, both of Merrill, grandchildren: Tim (Samantha) Krause, Brandon Krause, Katie (Joe) VanDerGeest and Samantha Krause, great grandchildren: Preston, Maddox, Demitri, Roman and Odette, sisters: Kathy (Jack) Frederick, Mary (Bob) Pike and Betty (Dick) Ohloff and brother: Mike (Sue) Kunkel.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband: Roger Krause and brothers: Roger and Robert Kunkel.

A Memorial Service for Carol will be held on Friday, July 27, 2018 at 3pm at Waid Funeral Home.  The Rev. Lucas Williams will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Friday, July 27, 2018 from 12noon until the time of the service, also at the funeral home.

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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OTTS Garage is working with local church youth ministries to reach out to teenagers entering 6th grade through 12th grade.

OTTS Garage exists to provide a teen center which helps develop students into more mature and complete persons. They provide a safe environment and programs to practically meet their physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual needs based upon the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The collective effort presently known as the Community Youth Group will be using a series of interactive teaching sessions that explore the basics of the Christian faith. This series is designed to engage youth in conversations about life, faith and meaning.

The group will meet the first and third Fridays of each month starting July 20. Each night will feature food, games, worship music, lesson and prayer.

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By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

If you’re out for a walk around Merrill, keep your eyes open for painted rocks. Some will smile back at you, others bear messages of encouragement, while some are very artfully done. These rocks are most likely the work of members of a group called Merrill Rocks.

Over the past two years, Merrill Rocks has become a fun community activity where people paint rocks and hide them all around town. When someone finds a rock they will take a picture of it, post it to the Merrill Rocks Facebook page and then re-hide the rock.

The Merrill Rocks Facebook page – administered by Merrill residents Jessica Belant, Jennifer McKinney and Jessi Beyer – has nearly 1,400 members and continues to grow.

“It’s really to spread kindness and I believe that it brings the community closer,” Beyer said of the reasons for starting Merrill Rocks.

Most rocks can be found at public places such as parks and schools, and along the River Bend Trail, but with hundreds of the painted rocks around the community they can be found just about anywhere.

It’s really hard to say just how many painted rocks are out there now.

“Since we have started Merrill Rocks, I have probably painted and hid about 500 rocks,” Belant said. “I also know of a few people who have probably done hundreds by themselves as well.”

To participate in Merrill Rocks you can start the search for a painted rock around the community, or start by painting a rock of your own and hiding it; make sure to label the back with “Merrill Rocks.” You may join the Merrill Rocks group on Facebook and give a hint where your rock is hidden. If you don’t have Facebook, you can still participate in Merrill Rocks simply by hiding the rock for the next person to find.

Local businesses have also joined with Merrill Rocks to offer “prize rocks.” People who find the prize rocks can redeem them for a prize from the participating business.

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Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

As part of this evening’s  ‘Brats for Vets’ event, nationally touring blues artist Tom Jordan will be performing live at the Sawmill Brewing Company.
A native of Wausau, Jordan’s unique style of blues has taken him to the national spotlight; touring across the country with his band 20 Watt Tombstone; as well as select solo performances. In fact, Jordan will be returning from tour just prior to this evening’s performance.

“When performing with my band (20 Watt Tombstone) I just call it rock. With my solo show, which is what I’ll be doing on Wednesday, it’s mostly old blues and some country. Mostly pre-war blues,” Jordan explains. “Music from the Delta has always been a love of mine. I don’t do solo shows often, but it’s a part of history I love learning about and showing to others.”
Having performed as a full-time musician since 2006, Jordan and his band have entertained audiences across the southern and eastern United States; including performances in Tupelo, Mississippi, southern Georgia, the Carolinas as well as across the Midwest.
As for his today’s performance, Jordan is excited; citing his profound respect for those who have served.
“Vets deserve our respect,” he adds. “Whether you agree with the current administration or not, these people have risked their lives and health to protect the masses. I respect that and it’s always good to be involved with any charity for veterans and disabled veterans. They don’t get the respect they deserve often times… so i wanted to help in some small way.”
As for what attendees can expect Wednesday, Jordan assures plenty of Delta-style Blues mixed with some old country.
“Son House, RL Burnside and Robert Johnson… that sort of blues. No Stevie Ray Vaughan or Clapton will be in my set. It’s the real raw blues from the hill-country that I enjoy playing. It’s a part of music history that is often ignored. No big shredding solos… just guys pouring their lives out in the most raw way possible.”

Brats for Vets kicks off at 4 PM today; 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.

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By Collin Lueck
Editor

For Merrill native Dan Koblitz, a long road has led him to open his own law practice in his hometown. Koblitz Law Office, LLC, recently opened in the same building at 1105 E. Main St. as long-time Merrill attorney Craig Nienow, although the two practices are completely separate entities.

Koblitz Law Office specializes in estate planning, real estate transactions and business formations, such as LLCs. Koblitz is also open to providing guardian ad litem services for the elderly.

“It seems like the right thing for me to do right now,” Koblitz said. “I’m really excited about this. I’m looking forward to working with the people of Merrill and helping them with their estate planning needs. I hope to provide services that use the most reasonable methods and tools to protect assets and allow people to pass on their legacy.”

A 1989 Merrill High School graduate, Koblitz got a late start at higher education due to a stuttering problem. After high school, he went to work as a metal fabricator – a job that didn’t require a lot of speaking – for several years. Around the age of 30, he came to the realization that his stuttering had taken control of his life. His insecurities and self-consciousness related to his speech condition were preventing him from living the life he wanted.

“It can be a devastating condition,” Koblitz said. “For me, it held me back socially, academically and professionally.”

He started seeing a speech language pathologist who helped him regain his self-confidence – and just as importantly, helped him reconnect with his Christian faith. He soon enrolled in classes at UW Marathon County. He would finish his undergraduate studies at UW Madison, where he served on the Athletic Board and chaired the state Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

After graduation from UW Madison, Koblitz returned to Merrill and worked for Church Mutual for four years. He then went on to pursue a masters degree in Divinity and a Juris Doctor in Law from Regent University in Virginia, graduating in 2016. Koblitz then worked in corporate law at Church Mutual for the past two years before making the move to start his own practice.

Koblitz credits his faith for helping him find the path that ultimately led him to open his law office.

“It’s nothing short of a miracle, what I’m doing now compared to where I was,” he said. “I feel my faith provided me with the strength to help realize my abilities.”

Koblitz’s Law degree and his Divinity degree hang side by side on his office wall. For Koblitz, his Christian faith helps guide the decisions he makes in his law practice.

He also serves on the board of Rock World Ministry, a Christian organization that helps orphans in India.

“I feel I use my Divinity degree every day in my life,” he said. “I didn’t want to do law without the Divinity degree. I want to provide a comfortable environment for people to make decisions about their possessions and their legacy.”

Koblitz Law Office, LLC can be reached at 715-539-3311 or email Dan@koblitzlawfirm.com.

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William ‘Bill’ Wegner passed away peacefully on July 18^th, 2018.  William was born to George and Emma Wegner on June 29^th 1926 in the Town of Corning.  Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley and his three brothers, Harold, Emil and Eldor Wegner.

He is survived by his daughter, Sheila (Jeff) Brummond and son, Scott (Laurie) Wegner.  He is also survived by his granddaughter, Melissa Baumann and grandson, Jordan Brummond, as well as great-granddaughters, Olivia and Gabriella Baumann.

After high school, Bill entered into college at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and earned a degree in agriculture.  Soon after graduating, Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in the Korean War in 1952.  After the War, he returned home to start a family and embrace his passion for farming.  He greatly enjoyed raising black-angus cattle and growing Christmas trees, which he always enjoyed taking to Milwaukee to be displayed at the breweries.  Throughout his life, Bill always enjoyed exploring in the woods and cutting firewood for his home.  He was passionate about passing his love of nature onto his family and greatly enjoyed producing maple syrup every year with his grandchildren.  Bill possessed a strong faith and was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in the Town of Berlin.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 23, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Berlin, Marathon County.  Rev. Andrew DeGier will officiate.  Burial will take place in the church cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. on Monday at the church.

Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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

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By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

On Sunday the Merrill Junior Legion baseball team began their postseason play with a game against D.C. Everest. Merrill got the win by a big margin, 11-2.
Merrill was able to build an early lead, scoring five runs in the first three innings. Everest finally got on the board in the fourth inning, scoring their only two runs of the game. Merrill would then build on their lead with three more runs in the fifth inning, followed by two in the sixth inning.
Caleb DeJong had a nice game for Merrill with four hits and three RBI’s, as well as two runs scored. Piersen Pyan also had himself a game, coming up with two hits and two RBI’s. Peyton Becker had only one hit in the game but it was a big one as he knocked in two runs.
Merrill tops Superior
Following their win over Everest, Merrill would have a game break before going up against Superior. Merrill took care of business, beating Superior by a score of 10-2.
Two runs in the first inning gave Merrill the early advantage, but a run by Superior in the second inning made it a one run game. Four runs in the third inning gave Merrill a nice cushion as they led 6-1. Another Superior run made it a four run game, however Merrill would respond again with two runs in the fifth inning as well as two runs in the seventh inning to make it a 10-2 game.
DeJong had another nice game, driving in three runners on two hits. Cole Zimmerman and Casey Hoffman would come up with two RBI’s each on one hit a piece. Pyan had a three hit game, and would cross the plate twice.
With this win Merrill advanced to the finals where they would have to be beaten twice to be eliminated.
Finals vs. Edgar
In the first game against Edgar, it was an offensive battle with Merrill coming up on the short end, losing by a score of 16-7.
Edgar struck first, scoring one run in the inning. Merrill responded in the third inning, scoring two runs to take the lead. Edgar would retake the lead in their half of the third inning with four runs. One run in the top of the fourth kept Merrill in the game, however a nine run bottom of the fourth gave Edgar a 14-3 lead.
Merrill scored two runs in the fifth inning and two more in the sixth inning to bring the score to 14-7. Two runs in the bottom of the sixth for Edgar would complete the scoring for the game as Edgar took the win.
Merrill came into the first game undefeated, so Edgar would have to beat Merrill a second time for a trip to state.
Edgar controlled the second game from the start and would take a 10-0 lead into the final inning, with Merrill nearly made a comeback. Edgar would take the win by a score of 10-6 and earn a trip to the state tournament.
Edgar would get the scoring started right away, scoring on run in the first inning, followed by another one in the second inning. In the fourth inning Edgar would put up five runs to take a 7-0 lead. The top of the seventh inning saw Edgar score three more runs to make it a 10-0 game. With their season on the line, Merrill’s bats finally got hot as they scored six runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, however it was not enough.
The Merrill Junior Legion baseball team finishes their season with a record of 14-12, coming up one win short of a state tournament appearance.

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Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr.

7-26-78
The mystery surrounding the anchor tenants of the proposed Pine Ridge Mall started to unravel a little this past week as the three main anchors of the property were announced. Local realtor Pat Buckett confirmed the identity of the anchors as he works to get the city to annex and provide sewer and water to the property which now lies in the Town of Pine River. The first anchor will be part of the Snyder Drug Store chain; they estimate they will have an 8,000 square foot store in the complex. Roundy’s Pick and Save Markets, a Milwaukee based supermarket chain, would fill about 20,000 to 30,000 square feet, and Spurgeon’s Department Store would be the last anchor expecting to take up to 15,000 square feet and may include a beauty salon in the building. The developers say if the city does not annex the land and provide the sanitary and water needs they are prepared to provide their own wells and septic. Buckett said between seven and 10 other shops would be located in the building with each taking up around 1,000 square feet. One of the developers, Louis Zimmerman of Oconomowoc, spoke at a press briefing and stated that a shopping complex like the one that is being proposed does not mean the death of a downtown. Zimmerman said in some cases it improves local downtowns as consumers stop driving to other cities for their shopping needs realizing everything is available locally. (Spoiler alert, none of this happens for a long time and none of the stores mentioned about ever showed up)
Another development could be coming to Merrill whose tenants would be permanent. The Merrill Cemetery Association has commissioned a study to see if an above ground mausoleum would be a good fit for the hallowed grounds. The plans call for a chapel to be added along with room for additional mausoleums to be placed nearby.
Merrill Area Public Schools has hired a new Superintendent. Dr. Thomas Strick, Napoleon, OH has accepted the job after a special board of education meeting last night. The native of Kimberly, WI was selected on a 7-2 vote. His three year contract calls for a starting salary of $32,000 ($123,000 today) and increases of 5% and 6% during the three years. Strick replaced Dr. Robert McCardle who resigned last spring. Prior to coming to Merrill, Strick was the principal at Winneconne, Junior High principal at Oshkosh, Assistant Superintendent in charge of buildings in Milwaukee, and for the last five years he has served as Superintendent of the Napoleon school district. He is married and has four children.
The Special Committee on Juvenile Corrections held a public hearing at Lincoln Hills this past week and the results were no surprise, residents are scared and they are demanding the school do more for security. District Attorney Richard Olson was the first to give testimony to the group, he asked that the state remove maximum security students from the ground and return the school to its intended purpose as a medium security institution. State Representative Sheehan Donoghue told the group the state is now paying for its sins of the past by selling off property that once housed prisons and by failing to address the mental health issues of the youthful offenders. Merrill’s own Senator Clifford “Tiny” Krueger is vice-chair of the committee.
The Lincoln County 4-H Fair starts next Tuesday when the music of Head East and Black Oak Arkansas takes to the main stage, tickets are $6.50 in advance. On Wednesday the tractor pull will be the feature, then Thursday it’s straight from the Grand Ole Opry with the music of Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely, and on Friday the demo derbies will start at 8 p.m. Rides will be provided by Belle City Amusements.
7-27-88
Could the Pick and Save grocery store be looking to build in Merrill? Interest by the Milwaukee based company has increased now that the city has annexed land from the Town of Pine River to the east of Pine Ridge Ave. Besides the grocer it is possible a major drug chain may also be planning a store in this new area. (See the same from 1977, still no Pick n Save or Snyder drug)
In briefs: Frank Magnus is the new chair of the county board. He replaces longtime chair Neil LeMay who died last month at his Tomahawk home. Elroy Schmidt was acting chair but withdrew from the nomination process for the permanent chair. Linda Hodkiewicz has died, the young mother of three received a heart transplant June 14 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee. The family owns a dairy a farm in the Town of Schley where friends and family chipped in to help run the farm as husband Dan was at his wife’s bedside since her surgery. Dale “Beatle” Anderson, 24, has died of the injuries he received in a motorcycle accident. Anderson crashed his cycle Saturday evening in the Town of Pine River. The Rev. Dale Olson has resigned from the MAPS Board of Education. The pastor of Our Saviour’s Church in Merrill has accepted a calling to Bay View Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay. Sheriff Ronald Krueger has announced he will seek another term for sheriff. The 49-year-old Republican has held the office since 1975.
The Lincoln County 4-H Fair gets underway this upcoming Thursday. On Saturday night country music legend Mel Tillis will be in front of the grandstand and following his show a fireworks display will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the fair. Amusements will be provided by Belle City Amusements.
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Lincoln County moved another step closer to building a new justice center with the final location yet to be determined. The County Board approved hiring Vierbicher Architects to design the jail portion of the facility which would eventually hold the sheriff’s office along with two court rooms, law library, Clerk of Court, Register of Deeds, District Attorney, Victim Witness Coordinator, Family Court Commissioner, and a jury room. The estimated cost of the project would be $13 million and would be completed by summer of 2001. County Finance Director Ruth Shock said the county is in good financial shape to borrow for the project at the current low interest rates.
Public outcry has begun over the city’s plans to create a “substantially similar” ordinance, this is an ordinance which requires siding, roofing and outbuildings such as garages to all have the same appearance as the home. Merrill Mayor Michael Caylor has asked the city to slow down the rush to pass ordinances. He told aldermen the trend over the last few years has been to run the legislation through and into the books only to find out it is unworkable or unwelcomed by the constituents.

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