Northcentral Technical College (NTC) is pleased to announce the President’s List for outstanding academic achievement for the spring 2018 semester. The following students enrolled in a post-secondary program earned a 3.75 grade point average or above during the spring semester:

ATHENS– Sarah Aschbrenner, Richard Bertschinger, Alexa Gajewski, Sherry Gutknecht, Ty Halopka, Jason Natzke, Rachel Sather, Shayla Schreiner, Joshua Soper, Mirella Valdez, Tanner Wagner-Durr

GLEASON– Samuel Gooch, Peter Lindgren, Brandon Rusch;

IRMA– Jacob Grund, Tammy Kautz, Benjamin Mehring, Nina Parks

MERRILL– Matthew Beyer, Janice Asmundsen, Mandy Beaudry, Kaitlin Bronsteatter, Rebecca Burgener, John Cobb, Courtney Erdman, Julie Gabler, Andrea Graveen, Monica Gruetzmacher, Brandon Hackbarth, Shannon Halder, Rheanna Hinz, Alexandria Hoffman, Becky Holzem, Healther Hoock, Olivia Hostvedt, Beth Houle, James Hughes, Shawna Kletzine, Amy Krueger, Sharon Kufahl, Jessica Kusserow, Hillary Lau, Youngmin Lee, Ryan Leskela, Christine Malovrh, Mikaela Meier, BreAnn Nelson, Emily Nylund, Amy Ollhoff, Emmanuel Perez, Benjamin Rasmussen, Lydia Rosengren, Rebecca Ryan, Stephanie Schroder, Megan Sczygelski, Keith Wegner, Elizabeth Weiz, Jessica Welter, Tamela Wessling, Vong Xiong, Austin Zettler; TOMAHAWK- Stephenee Andersen, Jessica Freeman, Bradley Hall, Amber Mayer, Cayton Scholz.

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First and Riverside Presbyterian churches will be holding their annual Church Service and Picnic at Riverside Park, Merrill, on Sunday, July 29. The outdoor service will start at 10 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. The picnic will include music presented by Justin and Marino Taylor and Bruce Clark. All are welcome to join for great fellowship, great music and great food.

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This week’s featured question was submitted for Merrill Police Chief Corey Bennett

Merrill Police Chief Corey Bennett

The question reads:
“Hi I’m fairly new to town and am curious about the bike lanes around the city. First off, aside from the bike symbol on the roads, there is another symbol I’m not familiar with. It looks sort of like two half-triangles? What is that symbol and what does it mean? Secondly, are there any particular rules or guidelines I should know about for using the lanes either as a driver or bike rider? Thank you!

Answer as given by Chief Bennett
“The bike lanes around the city are similar to other cities in Wisconsin. They are designated lanes to improve bicycle safety and guide the motoring traffic away from the section of road used by bicyclists. The symbol you are describing is probably the directional arrow indicating the movement of bicyclists. Bicyclists have to follow the same rules of the road as the motoring public, such as moving in the proper direction.”

“I would remind the public:

· *Bicycles must display a headlight during hours of darkness. We recommend a tail lamp as well. Be visible in daylight or darkness.

· *A helmet is always a great idea to protect your “computer” from getting rattled.

· *Bicycles kept in the City are required to be registered at the Merrill Police Department. We now do this for free! This helps us return stolen/missing property to the lawful owner.

· *Always, always, always! be observant of the motoring public. If in doubt, yield to the motor vehicle. You never know if the driver has observed your smaller profile.

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 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.

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Chip’s Restaurant in Merrill is hosting a sales day on Monday, July 30, to benefit Merrill Relay for Life. Ten percent of the proceeds for the day will go to the Merrill Relay for Life.

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Electronic recycling for a good cause

The Good News Project has organized an electronics recycling event which will be held Aug. 3-4 at the Sell Building on the Merrill Festival Grounds. The Merrill Kiwanis Club is partnering on the project. The majority of the proceeds will benefit the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merrill and the Good News Project of Wausau.
The event will take place from noon-6 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday. Plenty of electronic devices will be accepted, practically any object related to computers or laptops: Monitors, mice, keyboards, printers and scanners. Also, fax machines and copiers will be welcomed. In addition, any size or type of television, microwaves, phones, cell phones and any electronic device with a cord. All circuit boards, monitors and televisions will be disassembled and disposed of properly.
Batteries or fluorescent bulbs will not be accepted, nor will large appliances, newspaper, cardboard, cans, liquids, paints or chemicals.
The charge is 40 cents per pound for recycling your old electronics. Data security is guaranteed and drive up and drop off is convenient. Customers bringing more than 20 items should call for an appointment. Any additional questions can be directed to the Good News Project at 715-843-5985.

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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.

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Ella L. Haugen, age 74, of Merrill, died on Friday, July 27, 2018 at the Marshfield Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on July 16, 1944 to the late John H. and Florence L. (Matter) Boucher in Huron, SD.  Ella married Robert O. Haugen on July 16, 1961 in Huron, SD.  He preceded her in death on June 21, 1993.  They lived in the Merrill, Gleason and Medford areas, after moving to Wisconsin in 1973.

Ella was a licensed cosmetologist, and also worked as lead cashier at a local grocery store in Merrill.  Ella’s hobbies included crocheting, knitting and sewing.  She had crocheted and knitted many doilies, afghans, dolls and baby toys, for all of the weddings and births in the family.  Ella enjoyed gathering and entering pertinent family data into her family tree computer program.  She was so proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and will love them to infinity and beyond!

Ella is survived by her daughters: Eva (John Strand) Haugen of Merrill, Alicia (Natalie) Gray of Atlanta, GA, Sonya Davis and Heather Oemig, both of Merrill, son: Wayne (Kathy) Haugen of Schofield, WI, 25 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Robert O. Haugen, son: Robert J. Haugen, daughter: Tina M. Ineichen, son-in-law: Jeffery Gray, brother: William Boucher and son-in-law: Corey Oemig.

“I love all of you dearly, please remember that always, and don’t grieve for long.  Go on with your own lives and live as happily as you can.”  Love, Mom

A Funeral Service for Ella will be held on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 12noon at Waid Funeral Home.  Pastor Jess Wakefield will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 from 10am until the time of the service, also at the funeral home.  Burial at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery will immediately follow the service.

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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Lydia Martha (Schult) Gierach, 96, formally of Merrill, passed away Sunday, July 29, 2018 in her apartment at Island Shores Senior Living in Neenah, WI.

Lydia was born March 12, 1922 in the Town of Scott, WI. She was the daughter of the late Frank and Augusta (Bartenhagen) Schult. She married Harold Gierach on September 7, 1940. After their marriage, Harold and Lydia moved to the Town of Scott to help take care of the Schult dairy farm. During the off season, Harold and Lydia worked at the former Merrill Candy Company. Lydia attended Beauty School in Wausau. In 1963, Lydia and Harold built a home on Cedar Street in Merrill and the farm was sold. They included a beauty salon in their plans and she ran Lydia’s Beauty Salon from 1963 until her retirement.  The salon was the largest in Merrill employing up to seven stylists.

After retirement, Lydia continued to style hair for many years going into people’s homes because they were unable to travel to a salon. She routinely cooked meals for friends and neighbors, but her favorite past time was dancing cheek-to-cheek with Harold, the love of her life.

Survivors include one daughter, Darlene (John) Winter, of Greendale, WI, one son, Brian (Deanna) Gierach of Combined Locks, WI; four grandchildren, Joe (Jeanne) Winter, Tom (Sandra) Winter, Justin (Beth) Gierach, and Anne Gierach; seven great-grandchildren, Amanda, Matthew, Hannah, and Michael Winter and Liam, Sophia, and Ava Gierach; and two sisters-in-law, Bernice Lampe of Madison, WI and Dorothy Gierach of Orland Park, IL and many other nieces and nephews.

Lydia was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Harold Gierach, her parents, and her siblings, Norman, August, Marie (Mootz), Leo, William, Lawrence, Walter, Ella (Schult) and Henry and many in-laws.

The Funeral Service will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 4, 2018, at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Matthew Bless will officiate. Burial will take place in Faith Lutheran Church Cemetery – West, Town of Scott after the service. Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Saturday at the church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.

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Park City Credit Union has announced the official ribbon cutting of its new headquarters at 501 S. Pine Ridge Ave. in Merrill. The ribbon cutting will take place Aug. 13 at 9 a.m., followed by guided tours of the first floor/member experience areas throughout the day. The official opening day will be Aug. 20.

The new 26,000-square-foot building features a contemporary full-service branch, mortgage center, a 100-seat community room, Park City Investment Center and a second location for First Street Coffee Station. Park City had purchased the land in 2010 in anticipation of growth and development. It’s current headquarters dates back to 1977.

Today, the credit union employs more than 80 people with offices located in Merrill, Tomahawk, Minocqua, Rhinelander, inside Trigs in Tomahawk and in Dave’s County Market in Merrill. This year also marks Park City’s 80th anniversary, and the credit union has 80 days of celebration beginning in September.

“What we are celebrating is the next chapter of Park City Credit Union and another chapter in the success and economic growth of Merrill,” said Park City CEO Val Mindak. “Park City has been a part of this community since 1938, and what you will find here is a unique, high-touch banking experience. Our new office was designed with the member-experience in mind and to bring value to the community.”

Beginning Aug. 20, the credit union will extend its service hours at the new headquarters. The drive up will be open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The lobby will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday and will stay open until 6 p.m. on Friday evenings. The lobby will also be open for member business on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On Merrill’s westside, Dave’s County Market will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The Merrill West Drive Up (at the former headquarters at 300 E. Second St.) will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The lobby at the Second Street location will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 16. The temporary eastside branch, located next to Piggly Wiggly, will be permanently closing at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 10, as a part of the transition to the new building.

Park City’s Call Center hours have recently been extended to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and have added Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Our members now have greater access to our outstanding team,” Mindak said. “We are delighted to offer these extended hours to our members and business relationships.”

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A 20-year-old Merrill man was arrested Thursday morning on a warrant charge. The deputy assigned to security at the Lincoln County Court House took the man into custody after a routine check showed he was wanted by the Langlade County Sheriff on a drug charge.

A 33-year-old Mosinee man was arrested Friday evening on drug charges. The man was stopped by a deputy just after 11 p.m. for an equipment violation. The K9 Eros from the Merrill Police Department indicated the vehicle contained drugs and a search produced items that later tested positive for methamphetamine.

A 56-year-old Prentice man was injured Saturday afternoon after rolling his ATV in the Town of Harrison. The man was flown to the trauma center at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

A 25-year-old Illinois man was arrested Saturday evening after a traffic stop turned up drugs. A deputy stopped the man from Round Lake, IL just before 10 p.m. for speeding. When the deputy made contact with the driver he could smell marijuana coming from the vehicle. The man admitted to possessing the drug and was arrested. He was also cited for speeding.

A 24-year-old Tomahawk woman was cited for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated after a deputy investigated a crash early Sunday morning on County Rd. A near County Rd. U.

A 32-year-old Wausau man was arrested Sunday evening on numerous charges after a traffic stop in the Town of Merrill. A deputy stopped the man just after 6 p.m. for speeding and the driver provided a false name. When the deputy learned the man’s true identity, he found he had several open felony and misdemeanor bonds in both Marathon and Price Counties. Further information was received that deputies in Lincoln County were searching for the man for charges related to a domestic event in the Town of Russell that occurred over two weeks ago where the man fled prior to deputy’s arrival. The man was arrested on a charge of obstructing, six felony counts of bail jumping and three misdemeanor counts of bail jumping.

Seven people struck deer this past week in Lincoln County. A Tomahawk woman struck a fox Thursday morning on US Hwy. 51 causing extensive damage to her vehicle.

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Leah Jean Riemer

God gave life to Leah on July 10, 1933 at Tomahawk, Wisconsin, a gift of God to her parents William and Margaret (Marheine) Krueger.  God came to Leah in His Word and established a covenant of grace with her in her baptism as an infant at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tomahawk.  She confirmed the faith given in her baptism in the Rite of Confirmation.  The Triune God continued to remind her of His presence and sustain her faith through Word and Sacrament throughout her life.

After graduating from Tomahawk High School she worked at the Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce.  She married Dr. Leonard Adams on April 22, 1953. To that marriage two sons were born.  They later divorced. On August 22, 1966 she married Harold Riemer.  They farmed and added to the family three more sons and a daughter in Pine River Township, rural Merrill, Wisconsin. In 1986 the family moved to Defuniak Springs, Florida.  Harold and Leah built a home in Inverness, Florida and moved there in 1997.  Leah moved to Ottawa, Kansas in June, 2014.

Leah loved serving the Lord through teaching Sunday School, going to Bible studies, participating in LWML, serving on boards and committees, weeding every flower bed she could find, and was very faithful in worship.  She also loved gardening and was a great baker and cook.  Faith, family, and friends were her life’s greatest joys.

God reached down and gave Leah the final victory at the age of 85 on Sunday, July 29, 2018.  She is survived by her sons Rev. Charles Adams (Laura), William Adams (Amy), Dr. Douglas Riemer (Jennifer), Neal Riemer (Sarah), Gustav Riemer (Jennifer), and daughter Karen Mya Riemer (Kevin Jennings); 13 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren; sister Marsha Wilke, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harold Riemer, granddaughter Ashley Riemer, sisters Merilee Freistadt and Mary Maloney, and brother William Krueger.

The family requests memorials be directed to The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML).

Jesus said, “I am coming soon; hold fast to what you have, so that no one may seize your crown” (Rev. 3:11).

The funeral service will begin at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 4, 2018, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Town of Pine River, Lincoln County, Wisconsin. Her son, Rev. Charles Adams will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Saturday at the church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.

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

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Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

Over 100 grave and memorial markers have been toppled or broken as a result of an apparent wave of vandalism affecting both Merrill Memorial and St. Francis Catholic Cemeteries this weekend.

While the investigation into the senseless act(s) is ongoing, Merrill Police Chief Corey Bennett stated at this point it is believed the act(s) were committed sometime during the overnight hours of Friday (July 27) into Saturday (July 28). As of Monday morning, 116 grave markers had been overturned. Many others had been broken or damaged but exact numbers had yet to be compiled.

According to St. Francis Catholic Cemetery staff member John Hanson, the scale of this weekend’s atrocity is the most severe to date. “Six or seven years ago we had an incident where a few were knocked over, but I don’t ever remember anything like this. This is terrible, I can’t imagine why anyone would do something like this.”

Cost estimates to completely restore the damage is expected to top out in hundreds of thousands of dollars between the two cemeteries, according to Hanson. One marker in particular, erected in 1903, was made of marble and will be very difficult to replace.

“Marble grave markers are very rare nowadays,” he added. “Most cemeteries, including ours, don’t allow them due to them being at the mercy of the elements, erosion and so on. This stone in particular will be at the very least; $50,000 to replace. It was hand carved. I’m not even sure how we could go about duplicating the work that went into this. Hopefully we can find family or relation of the deceased to see if there is some type of insurance out there. This is just senseless.”

Efforts to right fallen or uprooted markers is expected to last through the week, while restoring broken or damaged markers could take much longer.

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Cemetery staff would like to encourage those interested in donating to the recovery effort to donate directly to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church (1708 E 10th St, Merrill, WI 54452)
Phone: (715) 536-2803 or Merill Memorial Park Cemetery (201 N Memorial Dr, Merrill, WI 54452) Phone: (715) 536-2297.

Those with any information regarding the incident(s) this weekend are strongly encouraged to contact the Merrill Police Department (715) 536-8311; Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (715) 536-6272 or Lincoln County Crime Stoppers (715) 536-3726. Crime Stoppers callers may be remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

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Dorothy G. Radke, age 95, of Merrill, passed away on July 28, 2018 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill.  Funeral Services for Dorothy will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 11am at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Merrill.  Visitation will be held on Friday, August 3, 2018 from 5pm-7pm at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill, and again on Saturday from 10am until the time of the service, at the church.  Burial will take place at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery, immediately following the service.  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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By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

On Friday night the Merrill Rangers baseball team traveled to Rib Lake for a league match up. Merrill would lead throughout the game, however a big hit in the final inning got Rib Lake a walk off win.

Three runs in the first inning gave the Rangers a solid lead. Jared Schmeltzer led off the game with a single to right field, followed by a double by Brad Kanitz, moving Schmeltzer to third where he would score on a ground out by Chris Grunenwald. Justin Pyan then singled to score another Merrill run, with Garret Pagel driving in the final run of the inning on an error by the third baseman.

Rib Lake would score one run in the third inning to make it a two run game, until the Rangers responded with one of their own in the fifth. Dan Duginski led off the inning with a double and would later score on a single by Pyan to make it a 4-1 game.

The Rangers wouldn’t score another run in the game as Rib Lake went on to score one run in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings to tie the game. In the bottom of the ninth a leadoff double got a runner in scoring position and Rib Lake would capitalize with a single to win the game.

Shawn Schultz started on the mound for Merrill and went seven innings, giving up four runs. Justin Pyan would finish the game for Merrill and give up only one run.

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July 27
10:36 a.m.- A caller reported a scam attempt. He had received an email requesting he send $500 to them and in return they would send him $15,000. Fortunately the caller recognized this as a scam and did not send any money to the scammer.
11:18 a.m.- The Wisconsin Department of Corrections requested a probationer be arrested as she was intoxicated in violation of her probation rules.
3:33 p.m.- An officer stopped a vehicle for a registration violation. The driver was found to have a warrant for his arrest through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. The man was arrested for that warrant.
11:21 p.m.- A Lincoln County deputy conducted a traffic stop in the city of Merrill and requested K9 assistance. K9 Eros was deployed and indicated a positive alert to the odor of drugs in the vehicle. A search revealed two gem baggies and a piece of aluminum foil with residue. A test of the residue was positive for methamphetamine. The driver was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

July 28
8:15 a.m.- A caller reported vandalism at Merrill Memorial Cemetery. Numerous headstones had been tipped over sometime overnight with many being damaged. Investigation is ongoing. If you have any information on this case, please contact the Merrill Police Department at 715-536-8311 or Lincoln County Crime Stoppers at 715-536-3726 (callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward).
10:32 p.m.- A caller reported observing a male enter an apartment and knew him to have a warrant for his arrest. The warrant was confirmed, however nobody would answer the door at the residence. Additional charges may be forthcoming.

July 29
6:36 p.m.- A caller reported an elderly male had left a nursing home on foot. A nurse was following him. Officer made contact with the man who was upset with his roommate and refused to return to the facility. Contact was made with the man’s family and he was sent with them.
7:20 p.m.- A caller reported observing a male place his hands around a child’s neck and the child then fled from the area. Contact was made with the child and his grandfather. It was found the teen had become disorderly at the residence, yelling and swearing as he was upset with his sister. His grandfather grabbed the teen around the neck, inhibiting his breathing. The grandfather was arrested for physical abuse to a child and suffocation/strangulation. The teen will be referred to social services for disorderly conduct.

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Dorothy G. Radke, age 95, of Merrill, passed away on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill.  She was born on January 21, 1923 to the late George and Edna (Kuether) Gruetzmacher in Merrill.

Dorothy was a registered nurse, and was recognized for 56 years of service at the former Holy Cross Hospital.  She worked as a nurse in the recovery room, as well as being a pharmacy registered nurse technician for 30 years.  Dorothy was a charter member of Agon and Wispan (Recovery Room/Peri Anesthesia Nurses), member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, mission guild, quilters, money counter, Helping Hands and the senior choir.  She was nominated in “Who’s Who” among human services and the American Nursing Professionals in 1990, and the St. Stephen’s Faith Award  in 1996.  Dorothy was also a greeter for many years at Waid Funeral Home.

Dorothy had beautiful gardens with many flowers, her favorite being roses.

Dorothy was an outstanding mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister who took loving care of her family throughout her entire life.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter: Georgia (Marty) Martinson of Minneapolis, MN, brother: Robert (Joan) Gruetzmacher of Sun Prairie, WI, granddaughter: Kari (Matt) Saarloos, East Bethel, MN, great granddaughter: Ava Rose Saarloos, East Bethel, MN.  She was preceded in death by her parents, former husbands: Floyd Stevenson and Otis Radke.

Funeral Services for Dorothy will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 11am at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Merrill.  The Rev. Lucas Williams will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Friday, August 3, 2018 from 5pm-7pm at Waid Funeral Home, and again at the church on Saturday from 10am until the time of the service.  Burial at the Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery will immediately follow the service.

The family wishes to thank Pine Crest Nursing Home for their many years of care and love given to Dorothy.

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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Christian Merkel Jr., age 94, died on Sunday, July 29, 2018 at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, while under the care of Ministry Ascension Hospice.  He was born to the late Christian & Dora (Weigle) Merkel  Sr. on November 30, 1923 in Chicago, IL.  He met and fell in love with Dorothy M. Woller, and the two exchanged marriage vows on June 22, 1946 in Merrill.  Sadly, she preceded him in death on April 24, 2016.

Christian worked as a machine operator at the Brokaw Paper Mill for over 30 years, until his retirement.  He looked forward to deer hunting, and especially enjoyed his trips to Canada fishing and camping with his wife, Dorothy.  Christian liked to play cards, particularly Sheephead.  He also took pride in his tomato plants and orange marigolds, which he tended to on a regular basis.  Christian was a member at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ.

Christian is survived by his sons: Gary (Pat) Merkel of Tonto Basin, AZ and Bruce Merkel of Warrenville, IL, two grandsons: Shawn (Angie) Merkel and Shannon (Stacie) Merkel, both of Merrill, three great grandchildren: Aaron, Alyssa and Macie Merkel, sisters: Alvina (Ron) Hornischer and Maria Plamann, and sister-in-laws: Phyllis and Marie Merkel.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Dorothy Merkel, sisters: Dorothea (Earl) Engel, Ruth (John) Kleinschmidt and Lydia (Gerald) Krueger, brothers: Edmond, Frederick and David Merkel, brother-in-law: Arthur Plamann and his dog: “Trixie”.

Per the family’s request, there will be no services held for Christian.

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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By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

On Saturday morning the first Black Squirrel Scurry Triathlon was held in Merrill. The race included a two mile paddle down the Prairie River, a 19 mile bike ride featuring the River Bend Trail, and a 5K trail run through the MARC.

There were 44 total competitors in the triathlon, in 11 different age groups. The overall solo winner was Robert Waters, with a time of 1:38:50. The overall female solo winner was Jenna Kriesher with a time of 2:00:11. In the female ages 20-29 division Julia Erickson took first with a time of 2:13:26. John McCaskill took first in the male age 30-39 group with a time of 1:47:55. Male age group of 40-49 saw Jayson Lentz get first place with a time of 1:57:12. The female age group of 40-49 was won by Paula Vesely with a time of 2:12:42. The male group for ages 50-59 was won by Arlin Bradfish with a time of 1:43:18. Female age group of 50-59 saw Nancy Lorrig win with a time of 2:11:27. And finally the male age group of 60-69 was won by Randy Teske with a time of 1:48:43.

“The feedback from athletes was amazing,” comments Greg Eichelkraut, organizer of the Black Squirrel Scurry. “They had a great time and many have said they’ll be back and will talk to their friends about this so we expect a significant increase in numbers.”

If you would like to learn more about the Black Squirrel Scurry or see the results, visit www.blacksquirrelscurry.com.

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