Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

Monday morning, the Merrill street department went to work on the new downtown Pocket Park on the 900 Block of East Main Street, between Merrill Community Bank and the former Book World building.

According to City Administrator Dave Johnson, the park – having an estimated completion date of late fall – will be known as “Bankers Square” in honor of the two city lots having been purchased from Lincoln Community Bank and Merrill Community Bank (then Merrill Federal Savings and Loan) in 2016.

The park will include picnic tables, green space and a staircase leading from the park to the riverside alley wall to the south of the park. Also on the south end will be a concrete pad with electrical access, for use during future events or small concerts and live performances. Users will also have free access to city-owned wi-fi service.

“Our hope is for the future Bankers Square to promote our downtown business community and give people a place to gather and enjoy the outdoors in the downtown area,” Johnson added. “The park will be available for use during downtown events such as Crazy Daze and the city Chili Cook-Off, so we are hoping it will help promote those events as well.”

Later this summer, city administration plans to host a meeting with downtown business owners to discuss various amenities possible for the park and ultimately have direct input on what Bankers Square will look like upon completion.

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Marshfield Clinic Health System and Security Health Plan are proud to announce that the Lincoln County Health Department is one of 14 recipients of their 2018 ABCS for Healthy Communities Grants.

Grant funding may be used to develop new projects or programs, or improve existing programs to focus on at least one of Marshfield Clinic Health System’s ABCS health focus areas: alcohol and substance abuse; behavioral health; chronic disease; and social determinants of health.

Ascension Good Samaritan Hospital has also contributed additional funds to the Lincoln County Health Department to provide a larger impact. Together, these organizations have awarded more than $30,000 for improving the health of Lincoln County.

The Lincoln County Health Department will work with eight Lincoln County schools to install hydroponic gardening units meant to provide students with education throughout the school year rather than a short-lived summer garden season. Hydroponic gardening is a soil-free option for growing produce. The schools receiving hydroponic units are: Tomahawk High School, Kate Goodrich Elementary, Washington Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Maple Grove Elementary, St. Mary’s Catholic School, Trinity Lutheran School, and Pine River School for Young Learners.

“Healthy eating was noted by our community as a health concern during our recent community health assessment,” said Kristi Krombholz, public health nurse at Lincoln County Health Department. “This opportunity to help our youth learn about agriculture and healthy eating is very exciting.”

According to the Lincoln County Health Department, students in multi-component school garden programs that incorporate farmer visits to schools, taste testing, field trips to farms, in-class lessons and farm-to-school programs experience greater increases in fruit and vegetable knowledge, preference and intake than students in school gardens alone.

“Marshfield Clinic Health System’s mission is ‘We enrich lives,’” said Jay Shrader, the health system’s vice president of Community Health and Wellness. “Enriching lives happens in a number of significant ways, including improving the health of our communities beyond our four walls. Our grants are one way we can help our local communities to also enrich the lives of their residents.”

These grants, he continued, are part of a larger health system effort to address the system’s ABCS health priorities. Funding may be used to develop new projects or programs, Shrader said, or to improve existing programs that focus on one or more ABCS health focus areas.

“I anticipate these grants, again this year, will foster positive change as they did last year and will help us continue our health system’s efforts in partnering with our communities to make them even better places to live, work and play.”

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The following cases were heard in Merrill and Tomahawk Municipal Court July 9, 2018.

Posses THC
Stephanie M. Larson, Schofield, $199.60.

Disorderly Conduct
Ryan T. Dewar, Merrill, $136.60.

Theft
David J. Burdick, Merrill, $279.49. Amanda H. Korzinek, Merrill, $263.79.

Fail to obey traffic sign
Amy L. Mc Caslin-Fink, Merrill, $98.80. Matthew A. Hein, Merrill, $98.80.

Underage drinking
Hailey L. Anderson, Merrill, $313.00. Matthew A. Cowart, Merrill, $187. Kyle J. Mohr, Merrill, $313.

Operate after suspension
Patrick M. Wallin, Merrill, $313. Justin C. Woller, Merrill, $187.

Speeding
Nicole L. Kimmons, Merrill, $124. Jennifer L. Marzu, Wausau, $98.80. Dustin J. Black, Rhinelander, $98.80. Theda P. Graefe, Merrill, $98.80.

Operate MV without insurance
Justin C. Woller, Merrill, $124. Patrick M. Wallin, $124.

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july 11
Calls: #1069- At 7 a.m. Meed 62 responded to S. Center Ave. for a 42 year old male with a medical problem, transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. #1070- At 7:52 a.m. Med 63 responded to Heritage Ct for a 94 year old female with a medical problem, transported to Aspirus Wausau. #1071- At 2:11 p.m. Med 62 responded to O’Day St. for an 88 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSHC. #1072- At 3:38 p.m. Med 62 responded to Center Ave. for an 88 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSHC. #1074- At 4:34 p.m. Eng 62 responded to Pier St. for a CO detector sounding off, found the detector to be faulty. #1075- At 4:45 p.m, Med 62 responded to the town of Russell for a 55 year old male with a medical problem, transported to St. Claires Weston.
Other Activities: Tender 65 draft training and Eng 61 pump training.

July 12
Calls: #1076- At 12:57 a.m Eng 62, truck 63, Med 62 and Squad 64 responded to Prospect St. for a garage on fire, fire was extinguished, no injuries. #1077- At 9 a.m. Med 63 responded to 6th St. for a 46 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSHC. #1079- At 10:47 a.m. Med 63 responded to Center Ave. for a 46 year old male with a medical problem, transported to St. Joseph’s Marshfield. #1080- At 12:05 p.m. Med 61, Med 62 and Med 63 responded to Pine River for a 22 year old male, 2 year old female, 21 year old female and a 50 year old female with traumatic injuries, transported to AGSHC. #1081- At 3:59 p.m, Med 63 responded to O’Day St. for an 18 year old female with a medical problem, transported to GSHC. #1082- At 6:07 p.m, Med 62 responded to Thielman St. for an 86 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSHC. #1083- At 7:33 p.m. Med 62 responded to 6th St. for a 90 year old female with a respiratory problem, transported to AGSHC. #1084- At 8:14 p.m. Med 62 responded to Cty Rd C for a 83 year old male with a medical problem, transported to Aspirus Wausau,
Other Activities: Advanced training for probationary fire fighter Enkers.

July13
Calls: #1086- At 10:24 a.m. Med 62 responded to Pine River for a 64 year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSHC. #1087- At 7:53 p.m. Med 62 responded to East St. for a 33 year old male with an injury, transported to Aspirus Wausau.
Other Activities: Fire prevention inspections performed on local businesses.

july 14
Calls: #1088- At 1:15 a.m. Med 62 responded to the town of Russell for a 62 year old male with a cardiac problem, transported to St. Claires. #1089- At 7:38 p.m. Med 62 responded to Bachelors Ave. for a 70 year old female with a fall, no transport.
Other Activities: Pumping and drafting with Engine 61. Fire prevention inspections of area businesses.

July 15
Calls: #1091- At 12:43 a.m. Med 62 responded to Martin St. for a 52 year old female with an illness, transported to GSHC. #1092- At 2:42 a.m. Med 62 responded to Cty W for a MVA, no patient. #1093- At 4:22 a.m. Med 62 responded to Pine Crest for a 46 year old male with an illness, transported to AGSHC. #1094- At 6:01 a.m. Med 62 responded to Cty W for a 75 year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSHC. #1096- At 10:42 a.m. Med 62 responded to AGSHC for a 46 year old male with a medical problem, transported to Pine Crest.
Other Activities: Weekly reading on pediatric emergencies.

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Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows a recipient to authorize transfer of their government benefits from a Federal account to a retailer account to pay for products received and helps low-income families and individuals to buy nutritious food.

Tomahawk Main Street is proud to announce a $1,000 grant received from Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital to help promote the use of EBT funds at the downtown Farmer’s Market in Tomahawk.

“This is exciting news for those individuals wanting to buy local, fresh produce and meats that normally wouldn’t have the funds to do so,” said Aimee Dickrell, Tomahawk Main Street Executive Director. “Providing everyone the same opportunity to bring home healthy food from local growers is one of the main focuses of our downtown farmer’s market. Being able to now match the EBT amount spent by an individual to encourage the use of their funds at our market is amazing.”

The funding is being used to cover the annual cost of the card machine and processing fees which averages almost $400, advertising and promotion costs along with a matching funds amount.
“Nutrition has been identified as one of the top three needs in Lincoln County as part of our Community Health Needs Assessment,” said Hope Williams, RDN, CDE, CLS, Coordinator of Community Health Improvement for Ascension. “We have successfully supported farmers markets in other communities in Wisconsin with similar programs and pleased to expand access to the downtown farmers market in Tomahawk.”

Each year the downtown Farmer’s Market has been working on ways to bring more people to the market. It hosts a variety of vendors selling seasonal fruits and vegetables, eggs, meats, baked goods, organic smoothies and much more.

The matching funds provided by Ascension Sacred Heart are only for EBT food purchases with a minimum of $4 purchased and in increments of $2 thereafter.

The market is held every Tuesday on N. 3rd Street from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. and will start matching funds at the July 17 market.

Matching funds will continue until the estimated $500 available is used. Updates will be available on remaining funds after each market at the Tomahawk Main Street office.

For more information, please contact Aimee Dickrell, Executive Director at Tomahawk Main Street at 715-453-1090.

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Editor,
Please consider joining us in supporting Pete Borchardt for Lincoln County Sheriff in 2018. Each of us has worked with or have personally known Pete for 20 years and greatly respect his character and work ethic. Pete is a professional, compassionate, diligent, and conscientious Police Officer serving the Merrill community for over 20 years. In working with Pete, we find him to take his job seriously, is detail oriented, and gets things done. Having gone to school in Merrill and now raising his family in Lincoln County, Pete has a stake in keeping the county safe. The duties and responsibilities of the Sheriff are very difficult and challenging and we believe Pete has the abilities to do the job well.
Christine Brahos
Jennifer Thorson
Marci Rankin
City of Merrill Police Department Clerical Staff

Editor,
On Thursday, June 21, President Trump’s wife, Melania, made a surprise visit to a shelter housing immigrant children in Texas. She was permitted access to this facility but in the past members of Congress were not allowed inside these facilities. Mrs. Trump is not an employee or elected representative of the United States, unfortunately she is married to Donald Trump. Our elected officials should be granted unlimited access to these facilities to make sure that laws are not being broken and living conditions are suitable. If Mrs. Trump discovered anything out of order she has to authority or jurisdiction to correct the problems.
The children still being held are being transferred all around the United States in the middle of the night to undisclosed locations. Why? Why is there such secrecy about this? There is no transparency about this but there should be.
These children were taken from their parents with no thought given to reunification. The parents and children were not given any sort of identification to facilitate reuniting them. If you are arrested and taken to jail and the authorities take your wallet, you get a receipt. Trump’s administration has taken children from their parents and given the parents nothing.
Mrs. Trump, can you fix this? It doesn’t look like Mr. Trump can or will.
Patrick Hommerding
Merrill

Editor,
I am Captain Greg Hartwig of the Merrill Police Department and past President of the Merrill Police Association. I am writing to endorse Pete Borchardt for the position of Lincoln County Sheriff.
I have known Pete Borchardt for over 20 years. I have grown to appreciate his work ethic and character which is respected among his peers. My endorsement of Pete does not come lightly. I highly respect Pete’s compassion towards victims of crimes. Pete makes it a priority for a victim of a crime to be made whole, while using every tactic possible to accomplish that. Pete will bring those values to the Sheriff’s Office. As a leader in our organization I know I can count on Pete Borchardt to accomplish tasks and most importantly I have found his decisions to be fair, sound, and above all he has great consideration of the people we serve. Pete is also a businessman running a small business in our community, and volunteers giving back to our community. If Pete makes a commitment to something he believes in, I know he will carry through with it. Pete has the education, training, experience, and supervisory skills to be your next Sheriff. Pete had also been selected to be a DARE officer teaching many children who are now young successful adults in our community. Although I don’t want to lose Pete in our department I support his decision to serve all the citizens of Lincoln County.
I encourage citizens of Lincoln County to vote for Pete Borchardt as your next Sheriff. Pete will use a fresh set of eyes while fairly assessing the organization and keeping both the taxpayer and the employees in mind. Join me in voting for Pete on August 14.
Captain Greg Hartwig
Merrill

Editor,
The next Wisconsin election is the 2018 partisan primary on Tuesday, Aug. 14. Will you be ready and able to vote? Some preparation now could save you time and trouble at the polls and will help ensure that your vote counts.
You might have already received a postcard from the Wisconsin Elections Commission about voter registration. They are sending postcards to 384,000 Wisconsinites who appear to be eligible to vote but are not registered.
Please go to the website MyVote.WI.gov to check that you are registered and ready to vote. Unregistered voters with a Wisconsin driver license or state ID card can choose to register online if their correct name and address are on file with the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will be directed to the correct page to update your address if needed. If your name has changed, you will need to notify both Social Security and the DMV before you can change your voter registration name. The deadline for registering online is July 25.
If you do not have a driver license or state ID, you can complete a registration form online, print it, sign it, and send it to your Municipal Clerk, along with suitable proof of residence (such as a copy of a tax bill, utility bill, or bank statement). The deadline for registering by mail is July 25. You can register in person with your Clerk until Aug.10.
You can always register at your polling place on Election Day, if you bring your photo ID and proof of residence.
MyVote.WI.gov provides other important information such as your polling place, what’s on your ballot, and your Municipal Clerk’s name and contact info. You can also use this website to update your name and address if necessary, or request an absentee ballot.
Save yourself problems at the polls by visiting MyVote.WI.gov now. If you run into an issue, you can always contact your Municipal Clerk for help. If you don’t have internet access, you can call this toll-free number: 866-VOTE-WIS (866-868-3947). Finally, the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods is also ready to help; you can send an email to: information@lwvnow.org.
League of Women Voters – Northwoods
Dorothy Skye, President

Editor,
Be it a house, a city, or a workplace, it’s good to know a place’s history before one begins taking actions. Identifying the origins of a place one plans to have an impact on will help them take smart and constructive steps moving forward. This is why maintaining historical buildings in Merrill is important to the Young People’s Action Committee.
When visiting a city or choosing a new place to reside, one may experience some curiosity about what occurred to cause the city to develop in the first place and if that economic or cultural heritage is being sustained or creatively expanded. Is this city doing its best to build on the resources and investments that created it in the first place? One of the clearest indicators of that effort is reflected in the upkeep and current usage of buildings built decades earlier.
There are clear costs and challenges involved in updating and maintaining buildings constructed with older building techniques, but there are less apparent costs involved with tearing them down. These costs include loss of prior investment, environmental impacts of obtaining new building materials, and loss of cultural landmarks and historical property value. This value was not easily accumulated and is not always obvious in a bottom line economic analysis.
Young People’s Action Committee wants to keep Merrill’s old buildings standing and support new ideas to get people into their doors again. We have the ingenuity to capitalize on our forebears’ investments. To learn more, visit facebook.com/merrillyoungpeople.
Erik Pfantz
YPAC member

Dear Editor;
I am writing to support Ken Schneider for Sheriff. I have known Ken for about 30 years and he grew up right here in Lincoln County. He has worked at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in many capacities for 27 of those 30 years.
Ken is a great father and a role model in both his personal and professional life. I can’t think of anyone I would want as our Sheriff more than Ken. I know his coworkers will be more able to describe the training he has received over the years and the promotions he has earned better than I can. I simply want to say that Ken Schneider is a man of integrity and character. A person we can trust as our Sheriff. I am voting for Ken Schneider on August 14th. I am asking your readers to vote for as well.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Todd Smith
Merrill

Dear Editor,
I would like to address the importance of the race for Sheriff of Lincoln County. The Sheriff’s Office has over 70 people working in multiple divisions inside the agency, all of whom are under the supervision of the Sheriff we elect! That means we, the voters, have a responsibility for due diligence and informed decision making. It seems reasonable that we, in doing the hiring for an organization of this size, would want someone with supervisory experience; the kind of experience that comes from making decisions that you need to justify, and are held accountable for. We need someone who knows the inner workings of this organization. Of the two candidates, only Ken Schneider has held several positions that require that degree of responsibility and accountability. To put it another way, if you were hiring the CEO of the company you work for, wouldn’t you want to look at the applicants’ resumes, and look for the person with the knowledge and leadership experience to best lead your company? I believe that most of us would take that responsibility very seriously! I would ask that you apply the same standard to your vote on Aug. 14 for sheriff; if you do, I believe you will agree that there is no better choice than Ken Schneider for Sheriff of Lincoln County!
Thank you.
Mark Everson
Merrill

Dear Editor:
For a sixth year, Merrill residents have the opportunity to open their hears and pantries to help those in the community who are food insecure by joining Fill the Gazebo in Normal Park on Aug. 4, from 9 a.m.-noon). This huge food drive is sponsored by Merrill Area Ministries and allows our city to support Merrill’s three food pantries and the Food for Kids program in the coming months. All donations are used locally to support neighbors in need.
Last year, 36 organizations as well as 86 individuals participated in the drive and collected over 7,000 pounds of nonperishable food and care items and $6,000 in monetary contributions. This year, we are honoring the memory of one of our founding members, Barbara Dintelman, and are hoping to collect 10,000 pounds of goods to fill the gazebo to capacity! Community members can participate as individuals or groups and may drop off nonperishable donations at the gazebo (Normal Park) during the morning hours of Saturday, Aug. 4. Monetary donations can be made payable to Merrill Food Pantry whereas gifts for the Food for Kids program can take the form of gift cards to grocery stores, Walmart or Sam’s Club or checks made payable to Food for Kids.
The Merrill community has shown its generous nature in the past. We hope that 2018’s food drive further establishes that we are at our best when we care for each other and our community. Please support Fill the Gazebo in 2018!
Thank you,
Barbara Rothlisberg
Fill the Gazebo Committee

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

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Elroy (Roy) Gruetzmacher went to his heavenly home July 13, 2018 at Circle of Life Hospice care at Springdale, Arkansas. Roy was the son of Ervin and Anna Gruetzmacher of Pine River. He married Phyllis Pick in May 1952, whom survives. He is also survived by daughter Sharon and son Randy(Barbara) Gruetzmacher, two granddaughters Pamela(Adam) Greenlee, Jennifer (Nathan) Frazier and one sister Rosalie Sprafke.

Roy was proceeded in death by his parents,his brothers Alvin and Clarence. And his sisters Lorinda and Ruth. There was a private viewing and burial at Veteran’s National Cementry at Fayetteville,Arkansas.

A memorial celebration of life will be held at 10 am July 26 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Bentonville, AR.

He requested no flowers. Any donations may be made to Christ the King Churchs’ food pantry or any other charity.

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July 18
1:13 p.m.- A female was arrested for a probation violation at the request of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.
5:59 p.m.- A caller reported someone entered her residence and stole her son’s gaming system.
7:42 p.m.- Officers were dispatched to an apartment for a report of a domestic disturbance. It was found a verbal altercation occurred among the tenant, her son and the son’s girlfriend. Two marijuana pipes were located in the son’s bedroom and he was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. It was found the son also has a bond condition that he is not to have contact at the address. He will be summonsed for bail jumping.
9:58 p.m.- A business reported finding what appeared to be drug paraphernalia near their dumpsters. An officer located the homemade water bong and disposed of it.

July 19
12:21 a.m.- A caller reported his neighbor came to his apartment with a possible broken ankle. It was found the neighbor had been involved in a physical domestic disturbance in which her ex-roommate had grabbed her around the neck inhibiting her normal breathing and had then violently thrown her to the floor causing an ankle injury. The male was arrested for domestic battery and strangulation/suffocation.
8:09 a.m.- A caller reported someone had stolen a package delivered outside of his residence.
12:07 p.m.- A caller reported a bag of jewelry was stolen sometime in the past several months from her residence.
4:07 p.m.- A male was arrested for a probation violation at the request of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.

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Marcus Wydeven was killed in a tragic accident July 14, 2015 while flagging on a road construction project on Hwy. 17. The Lincoln County Highway Department has designated July 14 as Marcus Wydeven Work Zone Safety Awareness Day.

Lincoln County Highway Commissioner John Hanz urges people to drive carefully in highway work zones throughout the 2018 construction season.

“We ask that everyone take extra time and stay alert on the roads,” Hanz said. “Things happen very fast in work zones, even when the speed limit is reduced. It’s important to eliminate distractions, slow down, avoid tailgating, stay alert to changing traffic speeds and patterns and when possible move over to the next lane.

“Remember, Highway Workers are just like anyone else, they want to do a good job and make it home to their families at night.”

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Excitement is in the air. Dance families and dancers head out to New York City soon.

On Friday, July 27, dancers from Dorinda’s Dance Studio in Merrill will perform their “Juicy Wiggle” routine on Broadway. The group also will attend Disney on Broadway Music Workshop and a Broadway show.

Dancers and families are from Merrill, Antigo, Rhinelander, Tomahawk, Medford, Wausau, Wittenberg.

Saturday, July 28, the group will participate in the “National Dance Day” performance in Time Square.

On Sunday, they will attend a celebrity master class workshop with Lindsey Arnold from “Dancing with the Stars” and a New York City skyline dinner/dance cruise with celebrity quests.

The post Dorinda’s dancers headed to New York City appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

Peggy “Peg” A. Torkelson, age 65, of Merrill, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at  her home.  She was born to the late Elroy and Gloria (Diels) Block on December 12, 1952 in Merrill.  Peggy grew up in Merrill, attending and graduating from Merrill High School with the Class of 1971.  She met Carl Torkelson, and the two were united in marriage on April 26, 1980 in Merrill.  He survives.

In her younger years, Peggy worked in the fashion industry in New York.  Most recently, Peggy had centered her life around her family, they were first and foremost in her life.  She also had some close friends that were an important part of her life.  Along with her friends, her son, Matt’s friends looked at Peggy as a mother figure, they just adored her.  Being on Lake Alexander brought peace and comfort to Peggy.  She loved the stunning view from her home, which was like a therapeutic oasis for her.  Peggy and her family’s home church has always been Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.

Peggy is survived by her husband: Carl Torkelson of Merrill, son: Matthew Torkelson of Los Angeles, CA, sister: Linda (Curt) Eckes of Sun Prairie and brothers: Jeff (Gwen) Block and Jay (Maria) Block, both of Merrill.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Memorial Service for Peggy will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at 11am at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill.  Pastor Pat Schutz will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 from 9:30am until the time of the service, also at the church.

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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Incumbent Lincoln County Sheriff Jeff Jaeger has announced he will not be seeking re-election this year. Two candidates have come forward to succeed Jaeger: Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Senior Patrol Lieutenant Ken Schneider and Merrill Police Officer Pete Borchardt. Both candidates are running on the Republican ticket and will face off on the Aug. 14 partisan primary. The primary winner’s name will appear on the November general election ballot.
The Merrill Courier sat down with both candidates to discuss their backgrounds and their plans for the future of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Their responses follow:

Ken Schneider

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Ken Schneider

Age: 54.

Current city of residence: Merrill.

Family: Lloyd and Dorothy Schneider (parents) brother and three sisters, four children.

Party Affiliation: Republican.

Education: MHS class of 1982; Associate Degree of Police Science-NTC 1985; Firearms Instructor Certification-Fox Valley Tech; TASER Instructor Certification- Fox Valley Tech; Less Lethal Weapons Instructor- Marathon County Sheriffs Office; Supervision of Police Personnel Training-Northwestern University-Evanston, IL; FBI (LEEDA) Leadership Course; ALICE Instructor-2016; Certified member of NORDEG.

Experience: Prior to law enforcement service, held local employment with Lincoln Wood, Semco, Weinbrenner, Les and Jims and Wendorf Bus Service; worked family farm south of Merrill; 27 years Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office; Corrections Officer-1990; Patrol Deputy-1993; Served as Firearms Instructor; SRT member; Promoted Patrol Sargent-1999 (title later transitioned to Lieutenant); SRT leader and later promoted to commander; held command position until retirement from SRT service; Interim Detective Bureau Supervisor; Interim E-911 Communications Center Supervisor; Courthouse Security Supervisor; third in command of Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (reporting to Chief Deputy and Sheriff); current Senior Patrol Lieutenant-Oversight of patrol division; currently facilitates inmate movement in conjunction with the Corrections Division and Courthouse Security Division; currently manages case flow from patrol division to detective division.

Involvement: Personal interests include hunting, shooting sports and road trips/site seeing; long time member of WRPR committee; attends Journey Church and St. John Lutheran Church.

Candidate Questionnaire–
1) Why have you chosen to run for the office of Lincoln County Sheriff?

“Current Sheriff Jaeger advised he was going to retire last fall and asked if I was going to run for sheriff. We had discussed me running for office several years before that. I had been attending supervisory classes, preparing myself for this opportunity. I believe I have the experience and proven leadership to take this agency in a positive direction.”

2) ) If there is a particular change(s) you would make-if any-upon being successfully elected to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office seat, what would the change(s) be?

“One change I would like to make if elected, is to expand the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office’s scope of drug investigations both large and small. I would like to utilize all resources available such as our new K9 units and deputies specially trained in drug interdiction, to combat the ongoing heroin and Methamphetamine problem in our area. I look forward to continuing to partner with local, state and federal agencies in furthering our campaign against the drug problem in Lincoln County.
“Another change I plan to implement is a transition from a traditional verbal briefing format to a digital briefing system. Currently, deputies must travel from their homes to the sheriff’s office at the beginning of their shift for a verbal briefing. They then must return to the office from wherever their patrol tour ended for their shift, for an end-of-shift verbal briefing. By incorporating a digital briefing system, deputies can receive the information remotely to their patrol vehicles and begin and end their shifts immediately, rather than waste time and fuel returning to the office.
“If elected, while I may be the sheriff and the lead decision maker on prospective changes, those responsible for bringing change to fruition is the men and women of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. So on that note, I look forward to meeting with our staff to listen and evaluate any changes they envision for the future of our agency.”

3) What do you feel will be the greatest challenge you will face upon successful election to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office?

“I feel one of the greatest challenges the future sheriff of Lincoln County will face is that of the increasing pattern and sophistication of internet crimes; especially crimes against children and elderly. Staying on top of the dynamic nature of these offenses and trying to stay ahead of the criminal activity via specialized training are additional challenges related to this unfortunate trend.
“The other big challenge that lies ahead is turning around the overall decline in law enforcement recruitment. Due to several factors, agencies nationwide have seen a drastic reduction in qualified applicants. Unfortunately we have felt that effect here at home in Lincoln County. How to address that matter and find a solution will be a definite challenge, as it has been for chiefs and sheriffs across the country.”

4) If you could pick one lesson or concept you have learned, which will be a benefit to you as Lincoln County Sheriff, what would that be

 “I have always advised new deputies of my firm belief of nothing being more important than your integrity. Integrity takes years to develop but can be destroyed within a matter of a single action. I will carry this very same concept with me as your sheriff, if elected August 14 and will make it my guiding principle in everything I do as your Lincoln County Sheriff.”

Pete Borchardt

City of Merrill Police Officer Pete Borchardt

Age: 43.

Current city of residence: Merrill.

Family: Wife, Marci; children, Mason (14), Matthew (21), Macy (23), Marissa (26).

Party Affiliation: Republican.

Education: MHS Class of 1993; UWSP-Bach. of Economics Dec. 1997; Professional Training- NTC-Police Recruit Training 1996, First Line Supervisor training, Leadership in Police Organizations Training- Specialized supervisory training, Drug Investigator Training-Department Criminal Investigations (DCI), ARIDE Training-Drug and Alcohol training, Advanced Interviewing for Law Enforcement Investigators-FBI, Death Investigation School- DCI, DARE Officer Training.

Experience: Nov. 1996-May 1999-Police Officer Village of Athens; Jan. 1998-May 1999 Dispatcher Merrill Police Department; May 1999-Present Police Officer Merrill Police Department; 2004-2012-DARE Officer Merrill Police Department-Public and parochial schools.

Involvement: Former president of Merrill Professional Police Association-2 years; Former President of Merrill Police Benevolent Association-2 years; State Board Member Law Enforcement Torch Run Special Olympics-several years; Current member of Merrill Golf Booster Club; Vice-President of Faith Lutheran Church; Merrill Silver M Club Member; Merrill Lions Club Member; Merrill Historical Society Member; Social and Sick Benefit Society Member; small business owner since 2014-Clear Cut Range LLC; previously employed Merrill Gravel and Construction, grew up on a farm in Hamburg.

Candidate Questionnaire–

1) Why have you chosen to run for the office of Lincoln County Sheriff?

“I know I can make a difference at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for the people of Lincoln County. My goal is to improve the services the sheriff’s office provides as well as efficiency of those services, I will evaluate all operational costs and capital expenses to determine the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars. I know we can improve services while cutting costs. I am a regular guy who simply wishes to provide the best possible services to regular people.”

2) If there is a particular change(s) you would make-if any-upon being successfully elected to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office seat, what would the change(s) be?

“I intend to develop better relationships with other local agencies, including local law enforcement, fire departments, social services, etc. I will properly address our Lincoln County drug problems. I also plan to look at possible internal changes within the sheriff’s office.
“Not being a current member of the Sheriff’s Office gives me an unbiased perspective. Successful organizations need checks and balances. I will be a genuine representative of the people, while serving as a true team leader focused on our goals. I will stress doing what’s right for the people we serve, rather than serving our own interests. Two areas I would take a focused look at is improving the current courtroom security program and I intend to evaluate the take-home squad program in its entirety. I will not allow Lincoln County squads to be taken home to other counties. I will also determine whether the current program is cost efficient.”

3) What do you feel will be the greatest challenge you will face upon successful election to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office

“The greatest challenge will be gaining the support of current Sheriff’s Office supervisory staff. Given this is a very competitive election, I feel the current Sheriff’s Office supervisors (Lieutenants) oppose my candidacy because I am a candidate from outside the sheriff’s office.”
“I feel one of my biggest hurdles will be gaining the trust and respect of those individuals. But I know it will happen over time. Technically, I may be considered an outsider due to not being employed within the sheriff’s office, but I have in fact worked side by side with current staff on a daily basis. This is the second time in county history a City of Merrill police officer campaigned for the office of Lincoln County Sheriff.”

4) If you could pick one lesson or concept you have learned, which will be a benefit to you as Lincoln County Sheriff, what would that be?

“Learning to ‘Always doing the right thing.’ Those have always been my ‘words to live by’ so to speak and has become my campaign motto this year. If you always do the right thing, you can’t go wrong. I will do what’s right for the people of Lincoln County if elected as your sheriff on August 14.”

The post Meet the Candidates: Lincoln County Sheriff Election appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

This week’s featured question was submitted for The Wisconsin State Patrol
The question reads:
“Is it true I could get a ticket for having my trailer chains crossed when I hook up my boat trailer? I usually criss-cross them when hooking up to the ball and hitch, so in case the lock were to come loose the chains would catch the trailer tongue while driving down the road. But I was told if I was stopped for some reason and an officer were to see they were crossed, rather than hooking them up straight, I could get a ticket and fine. I never knew there are even laws about how you hook up trailers! Is there anything else I should know or a place I can find the information? Thank you!”

Answer as given by Wisconsin State Patrol Lieutenant Richard.Reichenberger:

“Statute 347.47(3) defines the requirements of safety equipment when towing:
“(3) In addition to the hitch and coupling specified in sub. (2), every towed vehicle shall be coupled to the towing vehicle by means of safety chains, leveling bars or cables. This requirement does not apply to a semitrailer having a connecting device composed of a 5th wheel and kingpin assembly, nor to a pole or pipe dolly. The safety chains, leveling bars or cables shall have only the necessary slack to permit proper turning and safety chains or cables shall be so connected to the towed and towing vehicle to prevent the drawbar from dropping to the ground if the hitch or coupling disengages. Two separate lengths of safety chain, leveling bars or cable shall be required on all trailers and mobile homes; however, the department may authorize use of such other appropriate equipment or methods approved by nationally recognized organizations which recommend safety standards for motor vehicles.

“In some instances the chains may be longer so crossing them may keep them from dragging on the roadway and keep the towed unit, if unhooked, from striking the ground. Chains are a safety precaution and as long as the statutory requirements are met and the chains are of sufficient strength, it is legal to cross them.”

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

The post Ask an Official: State Patrol discusses proper securement of trailers to vehicles appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

On July 16, the Merrill Eagles Club #584 awarded scholarships to the following individuals: pictured from left, Leah Beckman (parents Steve & Joy Beckman), Kobe Blake (parents Kevin & Christina Blake) and Cassie McAllister (parents Ron & Lori McAllister).

The post Eagles awards scholarships appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

The Merrill Police Department holds arrest warrants issued 5/14/2018 for Cody M. McKinnon, DOB 2/28/1989, last known address N2979 Moser Rd. #7, Merrill. The city recovered judgments of $124 for operating without a valid license and $124 for operating a motor vehicle without insurance. The defendant is in default of payment, and must pay the amount or spend a total of 4 days in jail.

The information on this warrant was current as of the time of publication. Anyone with information on Cody M. McKinnon should call the Merrill Police Department at 715-536-8311.

The post Merrill Warrant of the Week appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

July 20
5:30 p.m.- An individual reported that they had money deposited to their bank account from an unknown source which was then later withdrawn from multiple times in various amounts. The investigation is ongoing.
11:30 a.m.- There was a minor crash at the Kwik Trip on Pine Ridge Avenue. A vehicle had turned too sharply and struck another vehicle causing minor damage to both vehicles.
Two individuals were placed on probation holds and were taken into custody without incident by the Merrill Police Department.

July 21
12:49 a.m.- An officer on patrol located the park bathrooms at Stange’s Kitchenette Park damaged. The matter is under investigation.
12:30 p.m.- An officer investigated a domestic incident between a male and female. The investigation was completed and a male was arrested for Domestic Battery.
5:17 p.m.- Officers were made aware of a female with warrants for her arrest. The female was located, arrested and transported to jail.

The post Merrill Police reports appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

Scam calls continue to come into the Sheriff’s Office. Last week two attempts were made to steal money from residents. On Tuesday a person was contacted and told her grandson was involved in a crash in Boston, MA and she needed to send cash in order to get him out of jail. The caller stated that she should put the cash between the pages of a larger book, seal the book with tape and then overnight the book using a common carrier. The second call is becoming more common using the Facebook messenger with a cloned screen name. The thief will contact a potential victim with the same name as someone on their friends list. The potential victim went to a local retail store and before the money was sent an alert clerk told her she was being scammed and stopped the transaction before any money was lost. The use of cloned accounts or hacked accounts using social media such as Facebook is quickly becoming the choice of scammers as many are not able to speak English fluently which trips them up when they use the phone to attempt to scam victims.

Deputies are seeking information on a vandalism case in the Town of Bradley sometime Tuesday night. The victim parked a Dodge Caravan at Crystal Beach overnight. When the caller returned the next morning they found it had been spray painted with blue spray paint. If you have any information on this crime please call the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 715-536-6272 or 715-453-5747.

An 18-year-Merrill man was arrested Friday evening for violating a restraining order. The man had made contact a female who he was not allowed to have contact with due to an injunction which had been issued in Lincoln County Court.

A 55-year-old Irma man was arrested Thursday evening on a warrant charge. A deputy stopped the man on County Rd. J in the Town of Russell at 8:30 p.m. for an equipment violation. The man showed signs of impairment and was taken into custody for a third offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

One person was injured after a two vehicle crash Sunday evening in the Town of Bradley. At 6:11 p.m. cell 911 calls reported the crash on County Rd. A at County Rd. U. A vehicle being driven by a 23-year-old Tomahawk woman turned onto County Rd. U and struck a vehicle being driven by a 61-year-old Tomahawk man causing it to roll over. Injuries were non-life threatening. Traffic in the area was restricted for about an hour.

Nine people reported striking deer this past week.

The post Lincoln County Sheriff reports appeared first on Merrill Foto News.

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By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

On Friday the Merrill Post 46 Legion team traveled to Chippewa Falls for the Class AAA regional playoffs. In the past Merrill was Class AA, however this year Post 46 had two players from Wausau West High School, bumping them up a class. Post 46 played well at the regional getting two wins, but it would not be enough as they would be eliminated on Sunday.

Merrill’s first game of the regional was against Eau Claire, who would go on to beat Post 46 by a final score of 4-0.
Two runs for Eau Claire in the first inning gave them the early advantage on Merrill. Another run in the third inning extended their lead to three runs. With the bats cold for Post 46, Eau Claire would add another run in the fifth inning to seal the 4-0 win.

Merrill tops Hudson

On Saturday Merrill would look to bounce back from their cold night at the plate. Post 46 didn’t get the bats hot, however a stellar pitching performance got them the 2-0 win.

It was a tie game at zero going into the fourth inning, where Merrill would score the first run of the game. Zach Anderson would lead off and get hit by a pitch. A single by Casey Hoffman would advance the runner to scoring position. Two ground outs would move the runners over and eventually score Hoffman to give Merrill the lead. Post 46 would add to their lead the very next inning, scoring another run. Holden Smith led off the inning with a single, where he would later score on a Brody Gehrke double.

Holden Smith did the pitching for Merrill and would go the whole game, striking out an incredible 13 batters, with six of them going down looking on his way to the win.

Merrill beats Superior

Later on Saturday Merrill would match up with Superior. It was a tight game throughout with Merrill coming out on top at the end by a score of 5-3.

Superior would take the early lead on Merrill, scoring one run in the first inning. Merrill responded quickly with two runs of their own in the second inning to take the lead. Adam Detert would lead off the inning with a single, followed by a walk to Zach Anderson to get runners on first and second. A walk to Alex Gehrke loaded the bases for Merrill as Brett Seubert singled in two runners.

Superior would tie the game in their half of the second inning with one run. In the fifth inning Superior would retake the lead with one run. With their season on the line, Merrill would come up to bat in the seventh inning, down one run. Post 46 would come up big and score three runs to take a 5-3 lead, and eventually win. Brody Gehrke singled to get things started, followed by an error on Superior allowing Casey Hoffman to reach base. Adam Detert would then single to score Gehrke from second and tie the game. A sacrifice fly ball by Zach Anderson scored anther Merrill run, with the last run scoring on a Vinnie Galella double.

Chippewa Falls eliminates Merrill

On Sunday Merrill would play their final game of regionals as they went up against host team Chippewa Falls. Merrill wasn’t able to score a run as they lost by a final score of 10-0 in five innings.

Chippewa Falls would grab the lead in the first inning, scoring one run. They would add to their lead in the second inning, scoring three runs on four hits. A big third inning saw Chippewa falls putting another six runs on the scoreboard to take a 10-0 lead, which would be the final score. Merrill was only able to come up with three hits in the game as the pitcher for Chippewa Falls shut them down.
This loss would mark the end of the season for Merrill, who had their struggles this year, however showed up to play in regionals.

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