T.B. Scott Free Library‘s solar panels have been up and running for over 2 years. Their calculated savings since the system was turned on in May of 2017 is over $6,500.
The library is proud to be more environmentally friendly and to make taxpayer dollars stretch further.
Please stop in the T.B Scott Library on Monday, Sept. 30, and help them celebrate! Displays on the second and third floors will be available to learn more about alternative energy. The library will also provide refreshments.

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Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

On Wednesday night, Sept. 18, the Friends of Vincent Foundation Inc. hosted a behind the scenes tour of the Haunted Sawmill for a group of foreign exchange students and their host families. The tour gave a behind the scenes look at the 2019 Haunted Sawmill which will feature many new scares, including the introduction of Haunt Town, as well as giving some foreign exchange students a chance to go through their first haunted house.
The Friends of Vincent Foundation Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help youth and youth groups in Merrill and the surrounding communities. The Friends of Vincent Foundation operates the Haunted Sawmill as an annual fund-raiser to promote youth activities, high school scholarships, youth groups and youth programs. According to Jerry Hersil, Chair of the Haunted Sawmill Committee and President of the Board of Directors for the Friends of Vincent Foundation, the tour was very good opportunity for everyone involved.
“We were asked by one of the people that helped start the Haunted Sawmill, Kathy Palazzo, if a group of exchange students could come through the haunt as many of them had never been to a haunted house before,” said Hersil. “Kathy contacted us and unfortunately all of the exchange students were going to be gone by the time we actually opened, so we decided that it would be a great opportunity for us to get our actors in costume and try out everything that we have been working on all season. It was very beneficial for everyone.”
“The Haunted Sawmill is going to be all new,” Hersil explains. “We have completely redesigned the haunt from start to finish. If you have been to the Haunted Sawmill before you will not recognize what we have going on inside. We have doubled the space of the haunt itself, created an all new concession area, and tripled the scares. We have built all new rooms and we are really excited about Haunt Town, which is a walk through an old 1840’s frontier type of town, like perhaps the Town of Jenny would have looked like.”
The Haunted Sawmill will be dishing out scares starting on Friday, Oct.. 4, at 6 p.m. This year the Haunted Sawmill will be open every weekend in October and for more information about show times and ticket prices visit the Haunted Sawmill website at hauntedsawmill.org
“The Haunted Sawmill prides itself on being one of the scariest haunts in Wisconsin,” added Hersil. “To help benefit a great cause, people can come and have a very scary evening this October. We aim to entertain our guests from the time they enter the yard all the way through until they exit the haunt. Everyone that helps out with the Haunted Sawmill is a volunteer and it is a labor of love for all of us. We think that people really appreciate all the time, creativity and energy that each and every one of our volunteers brings to the Haunted Sawmill. It truly is a group project and the end result shows all of the thousands of hours and passion that people put into it.”

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Normal Park will host the 2nd annual Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, September 28, from 2 p.m.-9 p.m. The event will be open to the public, with no admission fee. So don your traditional German costumes (tracht and leiderhosen if you have them!) and come out for food, music & dancing, beer, games, and fun for the whole family.

Merrill and outlying areas in north central Wisconsin have a rich German heritage, and this now annual Oktoberfest festival is a great way to celebrate German traditions. Food options will include brats from Geiss’s Meat Service, hot dogs, German potato salad, warm soft pretzels, homemade mac & cheese, and desserts, and, of course, there will be lots of beer!
Sawmill Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest and IPA, Sand Creek Hard Lemonade, and soda will be available. (Cash only for concessions.)
There will be music and plenty of room to polka, with music all afternoon and evening by The Jim Pekol Band and the Dan Gruetzmacher Orchestra. And at 5:00 PM, the festival will include something new this year: Pommersche Danz Gruppe (Pomeranian Dancers) of Wausau will perform German folk dances from their native homeland, a German province named Pomerania that was absorbed into Poland and part of Eastern Germany in 1945 at the end of World War II.
Wearing authentic costumes and performing a variety of couple and group dances, including the Wadmal, an interpretive dance of a weaving loom, viewers will be drawn in by their lusty, exuberant Pomeranian German style dancing and their boundless energy. You won’t want to miss it!
Plus there will be lawn games like cornhole, ladder golf, washers, lawn Jenga, kubb, and more … with food, music, games, and more … there’s something for the entire family. It should come as no surprise that Saint Stephens United Church of Christ, itself an historically German church originally known as “Ev. St. Stephan’s Kirche” founded by a group of German immigrants in Merrill, originated this Oktoberfest event.
Truth be told, the idea to hold the first Oktoberfest originated over beers at the Sawmill Brewery when the pastor at the time said, “Wouldn’t it be fun if we threw an Oktoberfest for the whole town?” And the rest, as they say, is history … and a fun way to celebrate our area’s German history.
Oktoberfest is a traditional folk festival held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, running 16 to 18 days from mid or late September until the first weekend in October. It began more
than 200 years ago in 1810 and is a celebration of the Bavarian German culture. Areas of the world rich in German heritage (Wisconsin being among them) have adopted Oktoberfest
celebrations of their own to continue to celebrate their German heritage.
If you’d like to help with this annual Oktoberfest event, this year or for the future, you are invited to call 715.536.7322 (ask for Tina).

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Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr
10-3-79
An early morning smoldering fire destroyed a large amount of stock at the Lincoln Wood warehouse early Saturday morning. A call to the Merrill Police Department from a concerned neighbor who smelled smoke led to the discovery of the fire. Fire Chief Ray Priebe feels the fire likely started near a fork lift and spread to nearby storage racks filled with cut stock. A call for all off duty fireman was placed once the alarm was turned in at 4:48 AM; even retired firefighter and neighbor of the plant Marvin Neuman was placed into service as he ferried additional equipment to the scene. It is believed that Lincoln Wood is the only major woodworking plant in the city without a night watchman.
In news briefs: Holy Cross Hospital has increased their daily rates, a private room at the hospital will now be $97. Hospital Controller Dan Deemy blamed inflation for the raise. Congressman Dave Obey walked through the Ward Paper Company this past week and is pictured with plant manager Bruce Skofronick. Obey is touring paper mills throughout his district to learn about issues those factories have been having. Police are still clearing their complaint blotter after homecoming festivities led to multiple reports of property damage and toilet papering of houses and trees. Nearly two dozen MHS students spent the Saturday after the big game cleaning lawns. On a positive note from the event, Patty Lindquist was selected Homecoming Queen; she is pictured with her escort John Drengler. Tragedy struck a local family as 12 year old Troy Duginski drowned while trying to save a friend while they were swimming in Hockessin, Delaware. Duginski was brought back to Merrill and was buried at Bloomville, his local grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Edward Duginski. SSG Roger Peck of Merrill has been awarded the special skill qualification label of Master Gunner. Peck is the first Wisconsin Army National Guard member to receive this distinction. SSG Peck is the only remaining active member of Company A, Merrill, who served at Fort Lewis, WA during the Berlin Crisis.
There was no come from behind victory this week as the Merrill Blue Jay football team took on the Wisconsin Rapids Red Raiders in front of 3400 fans at Jay Stadium. The Jays started the season 4-0, but each victory was punctuated by the phrase “heart attack alley” as they came from behind in the final quarters to pull out wins. This past week however the boys jumped out to a lead of 28-0 before settling on a 35-20 victory for a 5-0 perfect record. The Jays will next take on the Newman Cardinals this Saturday at home.
10-4-89
Two weekends have been set aside for the official open house and grand opening of the Merrill Historical Museum. The museum is the fruit of ten years of hard work on behalf of the association to preserve the history of Merrill. The museum is known as the first home of T. B. Scott, lumber baron and the city’s first mayor. Mr. Scott died in that house in 1886. It was later a funeral home before being purchased by Christ United Methodist Church. They are now leasing the building for $1 to the Historical Society. Another tour this weekend for you to take in is at the new corporate headquarters of Hurd Millwork on South Prospect St. The new 31,000 square foot building is a showcase to Hurd’s commitment to the community.
Martin Dietrich has passed away. The 85 year old native of Nebraska formerly owned the Merrill Box Company. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill and wintered in Lake Wales, Florida. The legacy he leaves upon Merrill will likely be here for at least a century as he was the founder of the Merrill Golf Club. Coach Greg Schofield is calling this past Friday one long night, as his Blue Jays were defeated at D.C. Everest by a score of 45-3. Quarterback Jeff Bonnell along with Todd Zulliger, Chad Meyer and Jason Bootz were all standouts in the lopsided loss. The team hopes to regroup against the Wausau West Warriors this Friday night at Jay Stadium.
10-6-99
Homecoming is this weekend and a large class is slated to enter the Silver M Club. New members include: Randy English, Joel Juhlke, Dave Saal, Dave Borchardt, Doug Grisa, Tom Lutzke, Steve Rajek, Steve Strom, Don Wendorf, Pat Nelson, Steve Ferries, Mike Norris, Mike Saal, Al Detert, Robin Kudick, Jon Malm, Bob Semling, Russ Yanda, John Zuelsdorff, Bob Henson, Kelly O’Day, Mark Schultz, Doug Freeman, Steve Lutterbach, Rick Plautz, Dan Stiver, Tim Wanless, Dennis Yorde and Bill Folta. Reaching Gold M status: Ronald Coty, Donald Edmund, Rodney Gustin, David Knospe, Phil Kamke, Steve Kluetz, William Kluetz, Jack Langlois, Jerry Muderloh and John Slewitzke. Reaching the exclusive Diamond M status is Ewald Schulz.

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Geno Zecca

MHS Sophomore Geno Zecca is a second-year member of the Bluejay Boys varsity Soccer team this season, as a center midfielder. In addition to soccer, Zecca can be found on the Bluejay basketball court in the winter and the baseball diamond in the spring.
Son of Tony and Mary Zecca of Merrill, Geno currently maintains a 3.8 GPA. He plans to attend a four-year university upon graduation in 2022, but hasn’t decided on a field of study yet.

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Friday afternoon, Sep. 20. HAVEN Inc. was presented with a donation of $2,500. The donation was made possible by the 4th Annual Rosco’s Ride Motorcycle Ride Fundraiser held on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Pictured (left to right): HAVEN Volunteer Coordinator Tammy Degner and HAVEN Assistant Director Kim West accepting the donation from Rosco’s Ride organizers Dennis and Traci Fick.

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September 19
Calls: #1439- At 7:00 a.m. Med 62 responded to 6th St. for an 93-year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH. #1440- At 7:40 a.m. Med 62 responded to Theilman St. for a 88-year old female with a medical problem, transported to Sacred Heart. #1441- At 10:13 a.m. Med 62 responded to Theilman St. for a 84-year old male with a trauma problem, transported to Aspirus. #1442- At 1:10 p.m. Med 62 responded to AGSH for a 92-year old female with for a medical transport, transported to PCNH. #1443- At 2:07 p.m. Med 62 responded to 6tth St. for a 79-year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH. #1444- At 4:23 p.m. Med 62 responded to 6th St. for an 87-year old with a medical problem, transported to AGSH.

September 20
Calls: #1450- At 12:46 a.m. Med 62 responded to O’Day St. for a 82-year old male with a trauma problem, transported to AGSH. #1451- At 7:49 a.m. Med 62 responded to Jackson St. for a 69-year old male with a medical problem, no transport. #1452- At 8:48 a.m. Med 62 responded to Cty. Rd. Z for a female, no transport. #1453- At 9:52 a.m. Med 62 responded to 6th St. for a 91-year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH. #1454- Med 62 responded to Jackson St. for a 78-year old male, no transport. #1455- At 5:16 p.m. Med 62 responded to O’Day St. for an 85-year old female with a trauma problem, transported to AGSH. #1456- At 9:14 p.m. Med 62 responded to AGSH for a 20-year old female with a medical transport, transported to St. Clare’s. #1457- At 10:09 p.m. Med 62 responded to Jackson St. for a 43-year old male, no transport.

September 21
Calls: #1458- At 8:13 a.m. Med 62 responded to 2nd St. for a 34-year old male with a medical problem, no transport. #1459- At 8:25 a.m. Med 63 responded to State Rd. 107 for a 91-year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH. #1460- At 10:04 a.m. Med 62 responded to 6th St. for a 92-year old female with a medical problem, transported to Aspirus. #1461- At 10:22 a.m. Med 63 responded to O’Day St. for a 75-year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH. #1462- At 11:56 a.m. Med 63 responded to PCNH for a female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH. #1463- At 11:58 a.m. Med 62 responded to Jackson St. for a 78-year old male with a medical problem, no transport. #1464- At 10:28 p.m. Mec 62 responded to Grand Ave. for a 57-year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH.

September 22
Calls: #1468- At 4:59 p.m. Med 62 responded to O’Day st. for an 87-year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH. #1469- At 5:13 p.m. Med 62 responded to 6th St. for a 85-year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH. #1470- At 8:07 p.m. Med 62 responded to 6th St. for a 89-year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH.

September 19
Calls: #1439- At 7:00 a.m. Med 62 responded to 6th St. for an 93-year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH. #1440- At 7:40 a.m. Med 62 responded to Theilman St. for a 88-year old female with a medical problem, transported to Sacred Heart. #1441- At 10:13 a.m. Med 62 responded to Theilman St. for a 84-year old male with a trauma problem, transported to Aspirus. #1442- At 1:10 p.m. Med 62 responded to AGSH for a 92-year old female with for a medical transport, transported to PCNH. #1443- At 2:07 p.m. Med 62 responded to 6tth St. for a 79-year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH. #1444- At 4:23 p.m. Med 62 responded to 6th St. for an 87-year old with a medical problem, transported to AGSH.

September 20
Calls: #1450- At 12:46 a.m. Med 62 responded to O’Day St. for a 82-year old male with a trauma problem, transported to AGSH. #1451- At 7:49 a.m. Med 62 responded to Jackson St. for a 69-year old male with a medical problem, no transport. #1452- At 8:48 a.m. Med 62 responded to Cty. Rd. Z for a female, no transport. #1453- At 9:52 a.m. Med 62 responded to 6th St. for a 91-year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH. #1454- Med 62 responded to Jackson St. for a 78-year old male, no transport. #1455- At 5:16 p.m. Med 62 responded to O’Day St. for an 85-year old female with a trauma problem, transported to AGSH. #1456- At 9:14 p.m. Med 62 responded to AGSH for a 20-year old female with a medical transport, transported to St. Clare’s. #1457- At 10:09 p.m. Med 62 responded to Jackson St. for a 43-year old male, no transport.

September 21
Calls: #1458- At 8:13 a.m. Med 62 responded to 2nd St. for a 34-year old male with a medical problem, no transport. #1459- At 8:25 a.m. Med 63 responded to State Rd. 107 for a 91-year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH. #1460- At 10:04 a.m. Med 62 responded to 6th St. for a 92-year old female with a medical problem, transported to Aspirus. #1461- At 10:22 a.m. Med 63 responded to O’Day St. for a 75-year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH. #1462- At 11:56 a.m. Med 63 responded to PCNH for a female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH. #1463- At 11:58 a.m. Med 62 responded to Jackson St. for a 78-year old male with a medical problem, no transport. #1464- At 10:28 p.m. Mec 62 responded to Grand Ave. for a 57-year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH.

September 22
Calls: #1468- At 4:59 p.m. Med 62 responded to O’Day st. for an 87-year old female with a medical problem, transported to AGSH. #1469- At 5:13 p.m. Med 62 responded to 6th St. for a 85-year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH. #1470- At 8:07 p.m. Med 62 responded to 6th St. for a 89-year old male with a medical problem, transported to AGSH.

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The Merrill Police Department holds an arrest warrant issued 09/22/208 for Brenton A. Rake, DOB 01/18/1983, last known address 612 Lakeview Dr., Wausau, WI. The city recovered a judgment of $172.00 for a violation of purchasing tobacco for a minor. The defendant is in default of payment, and must pay the amount or spend 6 days in jail.
The information on this warrant was current as of the time of publication. Anyone with information on Brenton A. Rake should call the Merrill Police Department at 715-536-8311.

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Thomas E. LaFreniere, age 19, of Merrill, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, September 28, 2019.  He was born on September 14, 2000 to Scott and Lisa (Wilson) LaFreniere in Iron Mountain, Michigan.  Thomas attended and graduated from Merrill High School.  He was currently attending Blackwell Job Corp. in Laona, WI, where he had met many good friends.  He was working on getting into the trade work of carpentry.  When Thomas was younger, he loved trains and was convinced that he would be working on the railroad one day.  Thomas also enjoyed video gaming, listening to music and playing his drums.  He was a smart kid that had facts on so many subjects – he was always up for a game of Trivial Pursuit!  Thomas is remembered as a quiet and polite young man that had a strong work ethic.  He would look forward to spending time with family at gatherings and would do anything for anyone.  When Thomas was determined to do something, he would not be easily deterred.   He was a thoughtful and kind person that will forever be in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.

Thomas is survived by his parents: Scott and Lisa LaFreniere of Merrill, little sister: Emily LaFreniere of Merrill, grandparents: Ron and Bonnie Ludwig, of Shawno, formerly of Merrill and Edward and Ann Wilson of Eastpointe, Michigan, grandfather: Bill LaFreniere of Norway, Michigan, his best friend: TJ Cole of Merrill, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, his extended Blackwell family, especially Lee McCormick and his dog “Isabelle”, who never left his side.  He was preceded in death by his great grandmother: Doris Nelson.

A Celebration of Life for Thomas will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at 7pm at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill.  The Rev. Gregory Laska will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 from 6pm until the time of the service, and again after the service, until 8pm, all at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations be made in Thomas’ name to the Blackwell Job Corp. to help them continue to be able to provide students with education and support. 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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Eleanor Krause, 97, of Merrill, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2019, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill.Eleanor was born July 1, 1922 in Merrill, daughter of the late Arthur and Alma (Koehler) Braatz.  She married Wilbert Radloff on April 11, 1941 and he preceded her in death on January 11, 1963.  She then married Renatus ‘Knute’ Krause on August 28, 1987.  He preceded her in death on October 9, 2010.  Eleanor had worked at the former Gruett’s Drug Store and Snyder Drug in Merrill.  She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Village of Maine.   Eleanor enjoyed playing cards and belonged to various card clubs.  She especially enjoyed the games of Sheepshead and 500.

Survivors include her daughters, Sharon Tewes of Tomahawk, Sue (Tim) Lawrence of Hastings, MN and Laurie (Lloyd Jr.) Buck of Merrill; daughter-in-law, Patty Radloff of Merrill; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and sister-in-law, Faye Braatz of Merrill.  Eleanor was preceded in death by her husbands; parents; son, Thomas Radloff; son-in-law, Gene Tewes;  brothers, August Braatz and Douglas Braatz; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Braatz.

The funeral service for Eleanor will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Faith Lutheran Church, Village of Maine.  The Rev. Donald Love will officiate.  Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Saturday 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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A 53-year old Merrill man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after a deputy stopped to check a disabled vehicle. The driver was cited for operating with a revoked license, operating a motor vehicle without insurance and arrested for obstructing an officer and violating the terms of his probation.

Two people were injured after a two vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon in the Town of Bradley. A vehicle being driven by an 82-year old Minocqua woman pulled out from the stop sign on the off ramp of US Hwy 51 at County Rd A, in front of a westbound truck being driven by a 72-year old Tomahawk man. Both were transported for non – life threatening injuries.

A 70-year old Florida man was injured after a crash Wednesday afternoon in the Town of King. The man fell off a motorcycle that was being towed by a pickup truck on County Rd A at Pickerel Creek Rd. The man was transported for non-life threatening injuries.

A 51-year old Merrill man was taken into custody Wednesday evening following a traffic stop in the Town of Scott. A deputy stopped the vehicle on County Rd Q at County Rd. Z after observing it cross the center line multiple times. The driver showed signs of impairment. The driver refused to do field sobriety tests, he was cited for first offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

A 51-year old Mosinee man was cited after a deputy found a vehicle on fire Thursday night in the Town of Pine River. Around 8:00 p.m. a 911 caller reported a possible fire in the area of State Rd 64 and High Ridge Rd in the Town of Pine River. When the deputy located the incident he found a car had left the roadway and crashed causing it to start on fire. The driver showed signs of impairment and was cited for a first offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

Deputies arrested a 20-year old Milwaukee man, an inmate at Lincoln Hills School in Irma, after an incident Friday evening. Deputies responded to the institution around 7 p.m. for fighting between inmates along with others who had climbed on top of an office room in the security cottage. The 20-year old was arrested on felony charges of battery by prisoner and strangulation/suffocation which he committed against a staff member.

Seven deer related crashes were reported last week.

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The Spotlight on Business for October is Reindl Printing, located at 1300 Johnson Street Merrill. The telephone is 715-569-9537 and they are opened Monday thru Friday.

It is owned and operated by Rick and Lynne Reindl and they are celebrating their 40th Anniversary this month in business. Reindl Printing was started in Merrill, Wisconsin in 1979 by Richard and Lynne Reindl. From a modest beginning of two employees, the Company has grown to become one of the Midwest’s most respected lithographic printers.
Reindl’s unprecedented growth in the 1980s led to the construction of its state-of-the-art facility in 1987. Further growth required the construction of a 10,000 square foot distribution center in 1991 to house Reindl’s mailing, warehouse and specialized bindery operations. In April 1996 ground was broken on a 38,000 square foot addition to the existing facility. This expansion led to their current facility and has brought all operations together under one roof. A 10,000 square foot addition to the distribution center was made in 2005, to accommodate their continued growth.
After 2005?
Reindl Printing has continually modernizing equipment expanding production with Two – six color printers, Eight color 40” perfection press, Inkjet printing press – at time of purchase in 2018 one of three in the nation. Reindl Printing continues to search for staff. Currently they employ 60 with a one shift operation. And they participate in the apprentice program through NTC and Merrill High School.
Their trademark is “Precision-Engineered Print Services”.
“It is awesome to have so many family-owned businesses in our community,” said Debbe Kinsey, Merrill Chamber CEO. “Generations of family owned businesses taking care of generations of your family. The same sales, services and products from people you know and trust.”
Reindl Printing, one more reason we say, homegrown and locally owned “For the Love of Merrill!”

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Helen Margaret Mills (nee Wittman), passed away peacefully in West Bend, Wisconsin on Thursday evening September 26, 2019. She was surrounded by her three children, Craig Mills, Lisa Mills Chladek, and Ross Mills.  A lifetime resident of Wisconsin, Helen was born October 27, 1924 in Merrill, Wisconsin to Carl and Edna Wittman. She graduated from Downer College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as a Registered Occupational Therapist. She met her beloved husband Eugene B. Mills at a college mixer. They were married for 55 years before Eugene’s death in 2002. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Wittman.  Helen was an activity director at a Waukesha health care facility, and in later years worked in a local home décor business. She brought her designer’s eye to her own home and created a gracious and welcoming place for family and friends wherever she lived.  She was a warm, kind, wife, daughter, and mother. As her extended family grew she became a devoted grandmother and Super Oma to her great grandchildren. Helen was an accomplished seamstress who loved to cook and try new things. She followed current events and maintained the lost art of writing notes and letters. She was known for her legendary sugar cookies.

Helen is survived by her three children and their families; Craig and Kay Mills; grandchildren Andy (partner Dana) , Reed, and Scott; Lisa Mills Chladek and Daniel Chladek; grandchildren Ryan (wife Melissa); Brianna  Bailey (husband Brad); Ross and Heidi Mills; grandchildren Keegan, Reilly, and Ruby. She is also survived by five great grandchildren; Emmett Eugene Mills, Ashton and Lucas Chladek, and Everett and Ford Bailey.

This world and our lives have been blessed with her presence and we will sorely miss her even as we celebrate her life and memory.  Among Helen’s gifts was the belief in service to others, which she expressed through her active church memberships at Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa, and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in West Bend. She was an active volunteer in the Cedar Community. Helen expressed great joy and comfort in the care and friendships she experienced especially at Cedar Bay East. For those who wish to make donations please direct your contributions to Cedar Community, 5595 County Road Z, West Bend, Wisconsin 53095.  Helen will be laid to rest with Eugene in Omro, Wisconsin. A memorial service will be held with the immediate family.   The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family. (262) 338-2050 / www.phillipfuneralhome.com

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Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

The Merrill High School Swim Team made waves on Thursday, Sept. 26, against Wisconsin Rapids winning 96-77. The Jays came out strong and won all 11 events for a second week straight, while Amber Winter breaks a MHS record.
“The team as a whole performed outstanding,” said Merrill had coach Kristie Winter. “Every single swimmer had at least 1 season best swim, with many having multiple bests. I am so proud of their hard work and dedication these last few weeks. I have really been working the team hard and their stamina last night was impressive. This meet was won as a full team effort and commitment.”
In the 100 Breaststroke, Amber Winter swam a time of 1:12.49, beating the previous school record in the event, which was set last season by Bailey Orzech with a swim of 1:13.00 at the Sectional meet. Winter would have a nice day for Merrill, also taking first place in the 200 IM, with a swim of 2:22.10.
Evelyn Blennert continued to show her worth on the team, taking first place in the 100 Freestyle, swimming a time of 54.85. Blennert then went on to take first place in the 50 Freestyle, with a swim of 25.52.
Trinity Kanitz showed off her dominance in distance swims, winning the 500 Freestyle with a swim of 5:39.03, nearly a whole minute faster than the second place finisher. Trinity’s cousin, Erin Kanitz would continue the success winning two events of her own. Erin’s first place swim in the 200 Freestyle would come out to be a six second victory, with a swim time of 2:10.44. Erin then took the gold in the 100 Backstroke, finishing the race in a time of 1:09.15.
The Jays will look to maintain their Wisconsin Valley Conference success on Thursday, Oct. 3, as they host Marshfield for their Parents and Senior Night, starting at 5:30 p.m.
“The girls will need to pull together against Marshfield again when we host them at home for our parents and senior night,” added coach Winter. “They are a tough team last year it came down to the final relay. I think this year will be close as well. Everyone will need to step up to help the team out.”

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September 22
At 10:08 a.m. a caller reported someone had used silly string to create a vulgar image on her fence sometime overnight.

At 4:39 p.m. it was reported that a male had been at a Wisconsin Department of Corrections Transitional Living Program reportedly to pick up a female there. No females are allowed at the residence. A male probationer admitted his girlfriend was at the residence. He was arrested for a probation violation.

At 7:24 p.m. a person turned in a cell phone he found at Council Grounds State Park. He had determined who the owner was on the phone. An officer located the owner’s address and returned it to the owner.

September 23
A local store reported a theft of items after a female utilized the self-checkout to scan items but simply walked out without paying. Video footage was obtained to identify the female.

september 24
At 10:40 a.m. officers responded to a report of a domestic incident. After speaking with both parties a male was arrested for domestic disorderly conduct for his involvement in the incident.

At 4:02 p.m. officers responded to assist social services after 3 children under the age of 5 were located at a residence with no supervision present. The children were removed from the residence until the parents could be located. The responsible care giver faces charges in this incident.

At 5:34 p.m. officers responded to a report of a physical domestic incident occurring between a male and a female. It was reported the male was observed physically assaulting the female. Once on scene the male was arrested and taken to jail after the incident was investigated.

september 25
At 9:14 a.m. an officer was made aware of a female student who had a knife at school. The juvenile will be referred to Social Services for possession of a dangerous weapon on school grounds and possession of drug paraphernalia as the knife had marijuana residue on it.

At 1:06 p.m. a male was arrested for a probation violation at the request of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.

At 2:07 p.m. a caller reported someone had stolen a package off his porch sometime in the last week.

At 8:10 p.m. an officer found someone had thrown toilet paper about in the men’s room at Stange’s Park.

september 26
At 10:57 a.m. a male was arrested for a probation violation at the request of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections.

At 1:56 p.m., an officer observed a male in a vehicle he recognized as having a warrant for his arrest. The warrant was confirmed and a traffic stop was conducted. The man was arrested for his warrant. A search of him revealed a marijuana pipe in his pocket. A search of the vehicle revealed a methamphetamine pipe and marijuana. The man was arrested for the warrant, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

At 3:05 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop. A passenger in the vehicle admitted he had a warrant through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. The man was arrested for the warrant.

At 4:48 p.m. a caller reported finding a game camera on her property. The camera was removed. The investigation is ongoing.

september 27
A caller reported their vehicle had been stolen from their residence within the city. Suspects were identified and information was later obtained that the vehicle and suspects might be in Lomira, WI with the vehicle. The vehicle was located and recovered by Lomira PD.

September 29
At 3:07 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence for a report of a fight that had been taking place at the residence. As officers were arriving, a vehicle was observed leaving the residence and a traffic stop was conducted. Several of the passengers whom were underage had been drinking intoxicants. During the course of the investigation, an individual that was not involved in the incident walked past the traffic stop and began yelling obscenities at officers and was being disorderly. Officers directed the male to stop, but he proceeded to flee from the area on foot disobeying the officers commands to stop. Officers pursued the individual on foot for several blocks and deployed an electronic control device. The male subject was taken into custody and found to have an active warrant for his arrest through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. He was taken to jail on charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and the probation warrant. The other parties from the original traffic stop were cited for underage drinking.

At 8:02 a.m., an officer responded to a residence for a report of someone entering an unlocked vehicle at the residence overnight and had items taken.

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

Anne Frank once said, “How wonderful it is that no one need wait a single moment before starting to change the world.”
Over a million Americans in thousands of communities across the country will be taking those words to heart this fall. The Merrill project will be held on Saturday, November 2. This is one week later than usual and is a week after the national event.
Merrill’s 24th annual Make A Difference Day, sponsored by Merrill Forward Together Healthy Community Initiative (MFTHCI) and the Optimist Club, will begin with check-in at the Prairie River Middle School cafeteria from 8:30 a.m.- 8:45 a.m. Volunteers will roll up their sleeves for raking projects from 9:00 am until noon, with lunch provided afterward.
If you are unable to rake your yard yourself, please call to register by Wednesday, October 23, If you signed up for help last year, a letter was sent with a postcard to return. Please call to register if you do not receive the letter by the end of September. For more information, please contact Linda Becker at 715-873-4564.
Working Together–We Can Make A Difference!

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Josh Klug
Merrill Fire Chief

Since 1970, the Merrill Fire Department has had the same uniform patch. That was also the year that the Merrill Fire Department took over ambulance service in the county. The patch was a unique, omega style shape with a blue background, highlighted with the Lincoln County Courthouse through some pine trees. The patch read “Merrill, Wisconsin City of Parks.” At the bottom of the patch, was FIRE in red letters. This same patch was used by the Merrill Police Department with the exception of “POLICE” on the bottom, until they changed their patch in 2012.
Earlier this year, members of the Fire Department were presented with options for possible changes to the fire department’s uniform patch. They could continue to use the existing one, they could go with a patch similar to the police department, or they could create a completely separate one. The majority decided to go with the police department patch, but with “FIRE & EMS” on it. Members felt it was important to reference both of the department’s primary functions which are fire and ambulance. All 23 full-time members of the Merrill Fire Department are cross-trained as firefighters and paramedics with 90% of the department’s calls for service coming in the form of ambulance calls. The new patch will also work with a “Retired” rocker patch that can be added when a member finishes their emergency services career. The rocker patch will go above the new MFD patch.

In addition to the new MFD Fire & EMS patch, the fire department also approved a Velcro patch that includes the department’s recently approved core values. The core value patch is circular in shape and has Excellence, Professionalism, Integrity, and Compassion on the outside ring surrounding a traditional fire service logo. That patch is used on a recently approved Merrill Fire Department duty jacket. The patch is also intended to be used for identification on their ballistic vests which are worn during possible active threat situations.
The recent Merrill Labor Day Parade was the first time the new fire department patch was on display. Some members of the department wore their Class A dress uniform and walked with family or rode on the apparatus. Included on the right sleeve of the Class A dress uniforms are small maltase crosses. Each cross represents 5 years of protective emergency service. Officers on the department are identified by the gold bands on their sleeves. Each band represents a bugle for rank. Battalion Chiefs have two gold bands and the fire chief has five gold bands which is the highest level possible. The Merrill Fire Department is proud of the new patches and plans to wear them for as long as possible.

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Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

A Redding, CA native, 15-year old Preston Sharp made a trip to Merrill on Thursday, Sept. 26.
Sharp is known for Veterans Flags and Flowers, an organization he started in 2015 to honor veterans everyday.
Sharp’s grandfather was one of the first employees to work for California-based Sierra Pacific Windows and the family still stays in touch with the company. Sharp called Sierra Pacific on his way to an event in Minnesota and set up a meeting with local veteran groups in Merrill as well as Medford.
Sharp began his organization after Veterans Day in 2015, when he went to visit his grandfather’s grave to set up a flag and flowers. During the visit, Preston noticed that there were many veteran graves without flags and that upset him greatly. It then became his mission to put as many flags and flowers on veterans graves as possible. Shortly after he began his mission, word would spread quickly, with Sharp even visiting former President Barrack Obama at the White House. To-date Sharp has laid out over 200,000 flags and flowers on veteran graves all over the country.
Sharp’s 2019 initiative is the prevention and awareness of veteran suicide. To learn more or to donate to the cause, visit prestonsharp.net.

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MERRILL, Wis. – Church Mutual Insurance Company raised $175,602 for Merrill Area United Way in September during its annual fundraising event, besting last year’s total by more than $20,000. Employees raised $87,801 in 2019, and the company matched it dollar for dollar. Since 2000, Church Mutual has contributed more than $1.5 million to Merrill Area United Way.
“Once again, Church Mutual’s employees and the company surpassed any and every previous goal,” said Dee Olsen, executive director of the Merrill Area United Way. “Every year, CMIC raises the bar and astounds us.”
The employees, along with President and CEO Rich Poirier, are motivated to continue their support of the United Way movement. This year, the monetary goal was to raise at least $75,000 with 640 employees participating. Both goals were exceeded.
“Church Mutual maintains a steadfast commitment to improving the communities where we live and work,” Poirier said. “The employees really step up, year after year, to support United Way’s efforts to help make Merrill a better place.”
The company, which donated more than $154,000 to United Way in 2018, raises its contributions through pledges, various events and activities held at Church Mutual.

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