Eleanor T. Bandyk, age 86, of Merrill, formerly of Chicago, IL, passed away Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Pine Crest Nursing Home. She was born November 19, 1929 in Chicago, IL to the late James and Gazella (Janisch) Sinclair. On May 19, 1962, Eleanor and Bruno Bandyk were united in marriage in Chicago, IL. He preceded her in death.

Eleanor attended and graduated from high school in Chicago, IL. She loved ballroom dancing and painting ceramics in her younger years. Eleanor also enjoyed babysitting for her friends and family. She loved cooking and worked as a cook at Bridgeview High School and at the tavern she and her husband owned back in Chicago, IL. Eleanor was a very fun loving lady with a big heart who was willing to try anything. She had an adventurous spirit. Eleanor loved going on motorcycle rides with her nephew, Michael.

Eleanor is survived by her nephew: Michael Sinclair (girlfriend, Amanda Kosmicki), Merrill, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Gazella Sinclair, husband, Bruno Bandyk, and brother, James Sinclair.

There will be a private memorial service for Eleanor held at a later date in Chicago, IL. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

Oscar A. ‘Ossie’ Wangen, age 75, of Merrill, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2016, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill, under the care of his family, the nursing home staff, and hospice services.

Ossie was born October 28, 1940, in Merrill, son of the late Oscar and Nellie (Bennett) Wangen. He married Jeanne E. Biggs on February 15, 1969, in Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. She survives. Ossie was employed with the Lincoln County Highway Department as a Grader Operator for 38 years. He then worked for 14 years as a part time Grader Operator for the Town of Scott. Ossie was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. He served with the U.S. Army, stateside, from 1961 until his honorable discharge in 1964. Ossie loved to spend time at his ‘shack’ in the Town of Harding, whether it was hunting or simply being outdoors. Oscar’s lawn was always immaculate. He enjoyed gardening and woodworking. Ossie’s favorite times were spent with his family, especially his grandsons.

Ossie’s five year battle with cancer never slowed him down. His family would like to thank Dr. Islam and his staff at the Ministry Oncology Center in Weston; the Pine Crest Nursing Home staff; Ministry Home Care Hospice; and Trinity Lutheran Church congregation for all their prayers.

Survivors include his wife Jeanne Wangen, Merrill; his daughter, Kathy (Denny) Palazzo, Merrill; his son, Steven (Stephany) Wangen, DeMotte, Indiana; his four grandsons, Josh and Matt Palazzo, and Reece and Cade Wangen; his sister, Halena (Lyle) Anderson, Merrill; and his brother, Ralph Wangen, Merrill. Besides his parents, Ossie is preceded in death by his father and mother in law, Clifford and Esther Biggs; his sister and brother in law, Raynette and Charles Runge; and two sisters in laws, Sue Wangen and Betty Wangen.

The funeral will be at 11:30 AM Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. R. Brian Stolarczyk will officiate. Burial will follow in Snow Hill Cemetery, Town of Scott, with graveside military rites conducted by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill, and again after 10:00 AM Tuesday also at the church.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com

Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

Friday morning, US Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) met with a packed house at the Brokaw Village Hall, consisting of both current village residents as well as many former employees of the Wausau Paper-Brokaw Paper Mill, which closed in the summer of 2012.
The purpose of Baldwin’s visit was to announce and discuss the “Brokaw Act,” a bill designed to address financial abuses, increase transparency and strengthen oversight of activist hedge funds, which were responsible for the progressive overtaking of the mill’s governance board and ultimate closure of the facility.

Prior to its closure, the Brokaw Mill was the world’s largest producer of colored specialty paper.
“I wish I was here to tell you I have a plan to go back and undo what has been done to your village and your paper mill,” Baldwin stated. “I can’t do that. However, I am here today to tell you I do have a plan to keep these sorts of activities from happening anywhere else. I have a plan to try and prevent other areas from suffering like Brokaw has.”

Although she stated she would rather not attempt to make any predictions on an exact time frame, Baldwin stated she would like to see the Brokaw Act pass sometime within the 2017 legislative session.

According to statistics from the Department of Workforce Development, approximately 90 of the 450 mill employees were Merrill residents.

By Nick Beversdorf
Reporter

Although the weather would indicate otherwise, spring is in full swing and with every spring season we have the annual Merrill High School musical.  This year’s musical is called “The Wiz,” a modern take on the 1902 Broadway musical “The Wizard of Oz,” which is based on the 1900 novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”

The musical includes performances from a wide variety of characters, including Dorothy (Maggie Holdorf), Scarecrow (Emily Schroeder), Tinman (Will Leischer), Lion (Jerry Boquist), and The Wiz himself (Cole Severt). Many other students have well-known roles in the musical, which include Aunt Em & Uncle Henry, the Munchkins, the Flying Monkeys and the Emerald Citizens, among many others.  A full cast list can be read at the end of this article.

“I am really excited about this musical,” comments producer Amy Grefe. “The students have been working really hard and it is paying off. It is coming along really well and I have no doubt it will be amazing when we start the live performances.”

Grefe goes one to say that unlike other recent plays and musicals, all of the direction and choreography has been done by the students in conjunction with the musical directors – no outside help was needed.  She also notes that this musical is noticeably larger than those in past years.

“We started auditioning right after Christmas,” Grefe adds. “Soon after, we started putting things together and we realized how huge of a production this was.”

No musical would be complete without music, and band director Kevin Short delivers with a stellar group of student musicians, including those from others schools like Stevens Point.

Performances take place on April 7th, 8th, & 9th at 7 p.m. in the Merrill High School auditorium.  Tickets are $8 per adult and $6 per student and they can be purchased at Lee’s Piggly Wiggly, Dave’s County Market, the MHS cashier’s office or at the door.

This is a must-see musical with colorful costumes and dramatic dances that will enthrall you with both sight and sound, and it has plenty of humor to boot. So make sure you’re off to see “The Wiz!”

Cast List:

Aunt Em – Morgan Sondelski
Dorothy – Maggie Holdorf
Uncle Henry – Nathan Francour
Tornado Ballet – Keia Woller, Morgan Bloch, Jayda Bushor, Anna Skoviera
Muchkins – Amiee Black, Amber Skiff, Gwen Wheat, Erin Lemke, Katy Ball, Stevie Boother, Bailey Iwen, Emma Jaeger, Izzy Prebeg, Molly Rydeski, Emily Weix, Livi Wheat
Appaperle – Sierra Severt
Yellow Brick “Chicks” – Alexis Lofy, Ashley Sarasin, Miranda Vosburg, Faith Wheat
Scarecrow – Emily Schroeder
Crows – Abe Acky, Nathan Francour, Mason Gebert, Matthew Myszkak, Tristen Prebeg, Mark Thompson
Tinman – Will Leischer
Lion – Jerry Boquist
Kalidahs – Mason Gebert, Matthew Myszkak, Tristen Prebeg, Mark Thompson
Poppies – Morgan Bloch, Jayda Bushor, Anna Skoviera, Keia Woller
Mouse Cops – Cate Murray, Liz Weix
Gate Keeper – Tristen Prebeg
The Wiz – Cole Severt
Emerald Citizens – Morgan Bloch, Jayda Bushor, Mason Cleveland, Anna Skoviera, Xander Bienfang, Eliana Emmer, Nathan Francour, Sarah Gessler, Becca Leander, Tristen Prebeg, Jennisa Strand, Matthew Strebig, Makayla Taylor, Emily Weix, Gwen Wheat, Keia Woller
Evillene – Michelle Tlusty
Lord High Underling – Mark Thompson
Winkies – Abe Akey, Sarah Gessler, Katy Ball, Amiee Black, Steview Booher, Desirae Hoff, Mason Gebert, Marissa Gutsch, Bailey Iwen, Emma Jeager, Erin Lemke, Cate Murray, Hannah Proulx, Izzy Prebeg, Molly Rydeski, Amber Skiff, Morgan Sondelski, Liz Weix, Livi Wheat
Winged Monkeys – Matthew Myszkak, Xander Bienfang, Mason Cleveland, Eliana Emmer, Jennisa Strand, Makayla Taylor
Glinda – Marissa Gutsch

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The Scarecrow (Emily Schroeder) hangs off a wooden pole as scarecrows and yellow brick chicks move around.

Two Merrill men escaped injury after the canoe they were traveling in on Lake Alice turned over this past Monday. At 4:30 p.m., a 911 caller directed emergency crews to Kings Road in the Town of Bradley after they saw at least one, and possibly two canoes flip over. Deputies, Tomahawk EMS and firefighters responded to the scene. Prior to their arrival, a caller reported the men had safely gotten out of the water. They were checked by paramedics and refused medical transport.

Tomahawk firefighters, the DNR Fire Warden, Tomahawk EMS and a deputy responded to grass fire Tuesday morning in the Town of King. Just before 10 a.m., a 911 caller reported that a controlled burn had gotten out of control and was now heading toward a wooded area. When a deputy arrived, he found the fire was threatening a camper trailer and an out building. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in about 20 minutes. No injuries or property damage was reported.

An 18-year-old Tomahawk man was arrested Wednesday afternoon on warrant charges. Deputies had information that a wanted person was traveling from Tomahawk to Wausau and were watching the highway for the vehicle. A deputy traveling north on County Rd. K located the vehicle approaching US Hwy. 51. A traffic stop was conducted near State Rd. 64. The deputy found the man trying to conceal himself in the back seat. When asked, the man provided a false name. He was taken into custody for a felony Lincoln County warrant for distribution of marijuana and a warrant through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for probation violation. The man was brought to the Lincoln County Jail and held. At a bond hearing, a Lincoln County Judge set a cash bond. The man will also face charges for providing the false identity to the deputy.

A 19-year-old Gleason man was arrested Thursday afternoon on a warrant charge. The man came to the Lincoln County Jail at 2 p.m. and informed the staff he was wanted. A check showed a warrant through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for probation violation. The man was booked into the Lincoln County Jail and held.

A 22-year-old Minocqua man was arrested Saturday morning on a probation violation charge after deputies checked a vehicle in the ditch. At 8:30 a.m., a cell caller reported a vehicle in the ditch on US Hwy. 51 near Lincoln Drive. A check on the passenger showed he was on probation and as part of his rules he was not allowed to have contact with a certain person; that person was the driver of the vehicle. The passenger was taken into custody and brought to the Lincoln County Jail and held.

A 20-year-old Merrill man is in the Lincoln County Jail after deputies investigated a bail jumping case. On Saturday morning a resident of the Town of Merrill phoned the Sheriff’s Office and reported the suspect had contacted the caller in violation of a bond in Lincoln County Court. The man was arrested on a misdemeanor count of bail jumping. He was brought to the Lincoln County Jail and held for a bond hearing Tuesday in Lincoln County Court.

A 28-year-old Shawano man was arrested late Saturday night on a criminal traffic charge. A deputy found a U-Haul truck in the ditch on Short Avenue by County Rd. K in the Town of Scott. When contact was made with the driver the investigating deputy noted indicators which led him to believe the man was impaired. The driver refused to perform field sobriety tests before he was taken into custody for a third offense of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant. Unable to find a sober driver, the man was booked into the Lincoln County Jail and was released Sunday afternoon when he was sober.

The number of car deer crashes is lower again with only two being reported this past week.

March 29
10:59 a.m.- An officer on patrol observed a vehicle deviating within its lane of travel. A traffic stop was conducted and the officer noted signs indicative of impairment. The male subject was placed through field sobriety tests and based off of those tests was arrested for operating while under the influence. The male subject refused the legal blood draw and a search warrant was obtained. After the legal blood draw the male subject was transported to the jail.

7:43 p.m.- An officer observed a vehicle deviating within its lane of travel and at one point was completely traveling in the opposite lane of traffic. A traffic stop was conducted and the officer noted signs on impairment. The driver admitted to drinking and was placed through field sobriety tests. The female was uncooperative and was unable to perform the tests. She was arrested for operating while under the influence 4th offense and cited for possession of open intoxicants. After a legal blood draw, she was released to a responsible party.

March 30
A caller reported a van going door to door attempting to sell meat and that the occupants were acting suspicious. Contact was made with the company listed on the van and they were advised of the permit requirements to solicit door to door sales.

An officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for an exhaust violation. During the traffic stop the driver was found to be suspended and on open felony bonds with conditions that he cannot operate a vehicle due to a pursuit he was involved in in Marathon County. Additionally the male was on several open felony cases out of Taylor County. The driver was arrested on 7 counts of felony bail jumping.

March 31
An officer received a call to perform a welfare check on a party that was observed sleeping in a vehicle behind a business. When contact was made with the male party, and he was identified, it was found that he had an active warrant for his arrest and was arrested.

April 2
2:56 a.m.- An officer located a suspicious vehicle in the 200 block of Stange Street. The male occupant was found to have an active arrest warrant and was taken into custody.

8:19 p.m.- An officer stopped a vehicle in the 3200 block of East Main Street. The female occupant was arrested for an active arrest warrant. The female was also in possession of a schedule 4 drug and was charged for that offense.

April 3
10:40 a.m.- Officers investigated a dog bite incident at an East Main Street residence. It was also found that the dogs in question were part of a similar incident in the recent past. As a result of the investigation, the dogs were removed from the residence and the owners were cited for numerous violations.

9:13 p.m.- Officers investigated a retail theft complaint from a business in the 500 block of South Pine Ridge Avenue. The suspects were identified and it was found that they had advertised the stolen items on Facebook. The suspects were contacted about the property and agreed to meet a fictitious person to sell them the property. When the suspects arrived, they were greeted by officers and the stolen property was recovered. The suspect was charged with two counts of retail theft and removal of a theft detection device.

Lee P. Wardall, 51, of Merrill, died Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center, Merrill.

Lee was born May 1, 1964, in Merrill, son of Thomas and Betty (Gryskiewicz) Wardall.  He married Janet Fruend on May 21, 1988 in Merrill.  She survives.  Lee participated in the scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America and earned his Eagle Scout.  He graduated from Merrill High School with the class of 1982.  Lee attended UW-LaCrosse and played football.  He played for the Division 3 championship team, and was also named to the Division 3 All American Football Team.

Lee began his teaching career in Gwinn, Michigan.  While teaching in Gwinn for two years, he also coached football, track and swimming.  Lee took a job with the Merrill Area Public Schools in 1989.  He was a Phy. Ed. teacher and also coached football and track.  Lee was a member of the Wisconsin Teachers Union and served as an officer with the local union.

Lee enjoyed watching his children’s sporting events and coaching them.  He was an avid Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers fan. Lee also enjoyed watching old westerns, golfing, camping, water skiing, and having campfires at home.  Lee was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill.

Lee is survived by his wife, Janet Wardall of Merrill; his parents, Thomas and Betty Wardall of Merrill; two daughters, Aubrey Wardall and Morgan Wardall both of Merrill; one son, Jared Wardall attending UW-River Falls; one brother, Alan (Marie) Wardall of Schofield and their children, Aleysa and Ryan; his in-laws, Peggy Klammer of Windsor, Colorado, Alice (Terry) Pruesser of Gleason, and Sally (Louis) Yellstrom, Barb (Greg) Spoehr, Deanna Fruend, Lucy Callahan and Brian (Peggy) Fruend all of Merrill; and many nieces and nephews.  Lee was preceded in death by one sister, Baby Girl Wardall; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lester ‘Fritz’ and Doris Fruend; and two brothers-in-law, Jesse Callahan and Wayne Klammer.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 8, 2016 at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill.  The Rev. David Szeto will officiate.  Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Cemetery, Merrill.  Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday at St. John Lutheran Church and after 9:30 A.M. Friday also at the church.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com

Press Release

County Deer Advisory Council recommendations, which include antler-less quotas, permit levels and various season structure options for 2016, are now available for public review and comment.

Those with an interest in local deer management are encouraged to review these recommendations and complete an online public input form – submissions are due April 17, 2016. To provide feedback online or find county deer management information, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “CDAC.”

Public comments may also be sent to CDAC members at any time during the public comment period. Contact information for CDACs is available on the DNR website.

Each council will review public feedback at meetings during the week of April 18th before making final recommendations to the Department of Natural Resources. These recommendations will be advanced to the Natural Resources Board for approval in May.

Our beautiful baby girl, Sabreenah Mae, went happily to sleep Friday night in her bed next to her sister’s bed and awoke in Jesus’ arms on Saturday, April 2, 2016.

Sabreenah Mae came to us 3 weeks earlier than expected on December 8, 2014.  She was only 5lbs 11 ounces but took up a much bigger space in our hearts.  We were worried that she would be sick because she came early but she was very healthy.  She triumphed through being small and grew into a very happy energetic little girl.  She had a wonderful personality.  It was spunky, happy, high spirited, and independent.  She was only 15 months old but knew what she wanted and how to get it. She was so full of life.

Her favorite times were spent playing in her house with her big sister, Savannah.  They played all the time.  She would play in her little car she got for her 1st birthday.  Savannah would dress her and put her in the baby stroller.  She had recently began dancing to music that would be playing in the house.  Always giggling and laughing.  Savannah enjoyed showing off her little sister wherever they were.  She carried her as much as possible but when Sabreenah had had enough she let her know.  She also enjoyed eating and attempted to eat everything.  But she always made sure she shared with her puppies Cash (recently deceased), Ruby and Dakota.  They were very good protectors of her.

She also enjoyed her times just snuggling with momma and dada.  It was a morning ritual for her to call out “momma, dada” when she awoke in the mornings.  Nothing filled their hearts more than to see her smiling face and to hear those words.

She was learning more words every day and spoke them frequently.  She would walk around the house saying, “Bumpa,Bumpa”.  She called her sister, Anna and her Grandma, NaNa.  She was always waving hi, bye and blowing kisses.  She liked talking to Grammy on the phone.  She would say hi, hi and you could hear the excitement in her voice.

She had a lot of people who adored her and she them.  When she would go to Grammy and Bumpa’s she would run right to them putting her arms up for hugs.  She had a playroom there where she and her sister would play and read books while sitting in her little Elmo chair.  When she was born they started her on a collection of giraffes so she was always surrounded by them.

She spent a lot of time at her Grandma’s house too where she again played hard and enjoyed her little life.

She knew right from wrong but pushed the” wrong” button often.  She would look right in your eyes and do what she knew she wasn’t supposed to do and then laugh about it. .  She enjoyed butchering NaNa’s plant by pulling the leaves off and then running off laughing about it.  She also thought it was funny to mess with Bumpa’s tv.

She was our little stinker.  It was hard to be mad at her because she was so cute when she did it.

She attended Little Blessings Day Care where the teachers thoroughly enjoyed her. Whenever Momma and Dada would pick her up she would look at them and run away because she liked playing at day care. There will be a very empty spot in the nursery without Sabreenah Mae.

She is survived and deeply missed by her parents Stephany and Anthony Woller and her big sister, Savannah.  Along with her maternal grandparents Linda and Kregg Lukasko and paternal grandparents Tammy Woller and Larry (Edith) Lipke.  She has several aunts and uncles, Stacey Conklin, Whitney (Cameron) Schumacher, Beckie (Don) Genrich, Amanda (Nick) Woller, Dani Woller, Jeffrey and Austin Lipke.  Her cousins are Caleb and Zachary Genrich and Amelia Anderson and a new baby Schumacher which she was not able to meet.  Great Grandparents and numerous great aunts, uncles and cousins.  She was also blessed to have very close friends of her parents that love her very much.

She was preceeded in death by Great Grandpa Kittel, Great Grandpa Gerber, Great Grandma Gerber (G.G), Great Grandpa Conklin, Great Grandpa Woller and Great Grandpa Lipke and a cousin Andrew Ninnemann.  Also a very close friend of the family, young Castan Schisel, whom she can now play with every day in heaven.

Funeral services will take place at Brainard Funeral Home –Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court,  Weston on Friday April 8.  Visitation will begin at 3:30 pm with a short service at 4:30 pm.

Words cannot express the pain and emptiness that we are feeling with the loss of Sabreenah Mae.  She will be forever in our hearts.  Take care of her G.G., Castan  and Andrew we are counting on you.

Until we meet again hold onto the LOVE we have for you our precious baby

By Nick Beversdorf
Reporter

Bluejay varsity softball lost their first regular season game against Weyauwega-Fremont this past Friday with a final score of 12-1.  Sophomore Maddix Bonnell was the only scorer for the bluejays, scoring one run during the bottom of the first to gain an early lead.

That early lead did not last long, however.  At the top of the 3rd, two ground balls opened up a scoring opportunity that W-F took advantage of to secure two runs.  The top of the 4th proved to be the deciding inning for the game as W-F scored an additional ten runs during that time.

“It was good to finally get on a field and play somebody else,” comments head coach Matt Ellenbecker.  “This was our 3rd day on a ball diamond in 3 weeks of practice. That showed in a lot of ways. We played poorly defensively from the very start of the game. We finished with 5 errors, and there were 2 or 3 plays that don’t qualify as errors in the book, but that we have got to make. I think that defense will be a strength of this team, but that didn’t really show through tonight. We gave them several extra outs, and then in the 4th inning they started hitting the ball hard.”

Many of the strikeouts came courtesy of the pitching of Weyauwega-Fremont, with the pitching style changing enough to keep the bluejays constantly trying to adjust.

“Offensively, it took us some time to get adjusted,” adds Ellenbecker.  “We struck out 8 times, 5 of those coming in the first two innings. We didn’t adjust to the pitchers velocity really well, and she did a nice job mixing in a rise ball, drop ball, and change up to keep us off balance.”

“It was nice to see us come out in the first inning and put together a couple of nice at-bats to manufacture a run. You have to be able to do that against the quality of pitching that we’ll see most of the year. We managed to hit the ball hard a few times in the last couple of innings, two of those hits finding grass and the fence as doubles for Calli Oberg and Maddix Bonnell.”

“The story of the game, though, was our defense. We’ll continue to work and get reps in order to continually improve. Weyauwega-Fremont is a very good team; they’re definitely a major contender in Division 3. That’s a team that we think we can play with, though. You look back at the game, find areas to improve, and then move on and work on things. We’re a young team, that will certainly grow a great deal as we get acclimated to Varsity softball.”

Bluejay varsity softball will play their next game tonight against Lakeland at 4:30 p.m. at the MARC CANCELLED.  On Thursday they will play again @ DC Everest, same time.

Raymond W. Smedul (87) of Denton, TX passed away on April 1, 2016 at Good Samaritan Society in Denton, TX.

He was born on June 20, 1928 to William and Lucy Smedul in Chicago, IL. His Mother and Grandmother emigrated to the United States from Riga, Latvia in 1911. Ray was very proud of his Latvian heritage and spoke the language fluently. He graduated from the University of WI, in Madison with a B.S. degree in Agronomy.

Athletics were an important part of his education. He played high school football in Merrill, WI and was a member of the University of WI Badger football team. Ray served in the U.S. Army of Occupation in Wurzburg, Germany with the 80th Veterinary F.I.D. It was there that he met his future wife Anita; who as a member of the U.S. Army Nurse Corp., was also stationed there. Ray retired as Regional Manager of the Dallas Fertilizer Region of Chevron Chemical Co. in 1983, after 30 years of service. He served on many industry trade associations, the Planning and Zoning Commission in Coppell, TX, was a member of the Studebaker Drivers Club, a member of the “Silver M Club” in Merrill, WI and “W Club” for the University of WI.

Ray is survived by his two daughters Roxann (Ken) Zoromski of Wausau, WI and Shelly (Jay) Lewis of Davidson, NC, three grandsons, Zach Zoromski, Spencer Lewis and Conner Lewis, in addition to nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Willam Otto Smedul, his mother Lucy Natalie Lapsenberg- Smedul, his sister Lydia Pauline Smedul-Bolder, and his wife of 60 years, Anita, who passed on September 11, 2015.

Internment for both Ray and Anita will be at a later date at Resthaven Cemetery, West Des Moines, IA. Memorial contributions can be made to Good Samaritan Society, Lake Forest Village, 3901 Montecito Dr, Denton, TX 76210.

Following the closure of voting places at 8 PM, the first batch of ballots arrived at the Lincoln County Service Center at 8:32 PM Tuesday evening, from the City of Merrill’s 4th District. Districts 1 and 5 followed a short time later.

Poll workers reported substantial turnouts with City of Merrill District 1 having the highest
of the early counts with 400 voters, followed by Merrill District 4 with 346 and Merrill District 5 with 340.
Below are the preliminary results as of 9:00 PM Wednesday evening (Note: The following information are the initial results as reported, all districts may not be listed)
Presidential Primary-

Republican Race-

Ted Cruz: 286 47.75%

Donald J. Trump: 248 41.4%

Democratic Race-

Bernie Sanders: 247 52.11%

Hillary Clinton: 225 47.47%

Justice of the Supreme Court
JoAnne F. Kloppenburg: 457   45.75%
Rebecca G. Bradley: 540    54.05%

City of Merrill Alderperson, District 5

John Kaufman . . . . . . . . . 128         43.54%
John A. Burgener . . . . . . . . 165       56.12%

Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

In the wake of a spring election day boasting high voter turnouts in Lincoln County, preliminary results are yielding  familiar faces in local contested races.
In terms of the presidential primary, Bernie Sanders looks to be the county’s choice in the democratic party after garnering 58.2% of voters with a total of 2,439. Hillary Clinton trailed Sanders with 41.4% of voters, and  1,732 votes.
On the Republican side, Donald J. Trump overcame an initial deficit to Ted Cruz,  to top Cruz with 49% of voters in his favor and 3,060 total votes. Cruz finished the night with 40.3% of voters in his favor and 2,518 total votes.
Lincoln County residents chose Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca G. Bradley over challenger Joanne F. Kloppenburg by considerable margin, as Bradley received 5,558 votes over Kloppenburg’s 4,272 total votes.
Locally, Tyler R. Mueller is shaping up to succeed Ryan Schwartzman as the next 3rd District Lincoln County Board Supervisor, defeating challenger Ray Bloomer 180-108.
The county’s District 17 seat looks to be taken by Kevin Koth, defeating Don Nelson by a considerable 351-167 vote margin. Another Tomahawk area contested race has resulted in another new face for the county board room, as Patricia Voermans appears to have defeated Terry Wiese 415-228.
Robert Eiseman and Bill Jelinek were elected without opposition to retain their positions as supervisors for the Town of Bradley. Tony Fischer and Mike Rick were elected to Town of Merrill Supervisor seats.
The Merrill Common Council looks to remain intact amongst contested races as incumbent Pete Lokemoen has defeated Amanda Kostman for the 2nd District seat 213-131. Current council president and 5th District alderman John A. Burgener has defeated challenger John Kaufman 165-128. In the 7th District, incumbent Rob Norton appears to be retaining his seat for another term after defeating Ray Bloomer 245-116.

Note: Reported results are preliminary pending future canvassing and counting of absentee ballots.

Press Release

Tomahawk traveled to Eagle River last night to compete in the Great Northern Conference Indoor Invitational.  The Hatchets girls placed 5th, while the boys finished 6th.  Medford won the boys meet and the host Eagles topped the girls field.

The lone champion for the Hatchets was senior Hanna Meyer as she jumped 31’5” to win her specialty the triple jump.  Hanna also finished 3rd in the 55 meter dash and teamed with Sierra Schulz, Delaney Langdon, and Olivia Weber as she anchored the 4th place 200 meter relay.

Dani Whiting raced to a second place medalist effort in the 1600 meter run in a seasonal best time of 5:56, she also teamed with Sierra Schulz, Olivia Pintens, and Sara Kouba in the 1600 meter relay to place 5th.

Sara Kouba placed 2nd in the high jump with a personal best jump of 4’6” and teamed with Susan Waye, Lauren Bauman, and Rylie Flohr to place 5th in the 3200 meter relay.

Hannah Schade placed 4th in the shot put with a personal best 29’1 3⁄4” effort and Wyatt Wenninger placed 5th in the high jump with a seasonal best effort of 5’4” in the high jump.

Annaluz Fox placed 3rd to medal in the Pole Vault at 7’6” and 5th in the 55 meter high hurdles at 10.57.  Mason Webster and teammate Alex Johnson placed 4th and 5th respectively in the 800 meter run and Susan Waye placed 5th in the 3200 meter run. Lucas Tjugum placed 5th in his debut for the 3200 meter run and combined with Orion Spaulding, Parker Johnson, and Erik Zedler to place 4th in the 3200 meter relay.  Parker Johnson also placed 5th in the Triple Jump.

Easton Phalin placed 4th in the long jump and 5th in the 200 meter dash and teamed with Wyatt Wenninger, Mason Webster, and Kole Woodall to finish 4th in the 800 meter relay.

Tomahawk travels back to Eagle River on Saturday and competes in the “Elite” Northern States Invitational. The meet gets underway at 10:00 am from the Northland Pines field house. Tomahawk will enter athletes that met minimum qualifying standards for this meet.

Gather on Wednesday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Eagles Club, 1205 Lake St., Merrill, for the annual Friends meeting for the River Bend Trail. The meeting is open to the public and you do not have to be a current friend of the trail to attend. Refreshments will be served. Michael Repyack, the Northwest District Trails Coordinator for the Bureau of Park and Recreation, DNR will be speaking on “The Community-wide Benefits of an Urban Trail.” Hear about the latest trail updates and future plans for the trail. Board members will be on hand to answer any questions.

The Friends of the River Bend Trail serves as an organization that supports the River District Development Foundation of Merrill by encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and precious spaces of Merrill’s river corridors. Thus far, the Friends Group has shown support financially through annual membership dues and the sale of hats, t-shirts and sweatshirts. They have purchased the three big display boards on the trail and the donor board at the trail head. Additionally, funds have been used to purchase printed materials about the trail and to pay annual Merrill Chamber membership dues. Along with the Marketing Committee, they help organize events on the trail and work to provide amenities and volunteer workers to further enhance the trail.

If you have any questions about the meeting or the Friends group contact Sharon Anderson at 715-536-9166 or email anderson1969@frontier.com.

Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr
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The voters of Merrill have spoken and for the first time in the city’s history not just one, but two women will be seated on the common council. Anita Gebert and Jean Rogers were the only two challengers on the ballot with Gebert facing off against Walter Proft in the 8th ward and Rogers against Gerald Bauer. The rest of the seats in the city government were unopposed with the exception of the mayor’s office which saw incumbent mayor Ralph “Fata” Voigt hold off a challenge from Roman Weber. The three incumbents on the school board will all retain their seats; they are Lester Voigt, Vivian Borchardt and Wayne Schultz. In the presidential primary Lincoln County residents chose Democratic candidate Jimmy Carter and President Gerald Ford over his challenger former California Governor Ronald Reagan in the Republican primary. State wide that Democratic primary was much closer with Carter gaining 37% to Morris Udall’s 36%; George Wallace and Henry Jackson rounded out the democratic ticket. Perhaps the reason for Udall’s good showing was his campaigning locally; he is pictured on page nine with Congressman Dave Obey visiting the Erwin Bauman Jr. dairy farm in the Town of Berlin last week. On the county board four new faces will find seats. Bert Strasman defeated sixth ward representative Henry Golde, Harry Osness took the 11th seat over Harry Hepp, and Floyd Lemon outpolled Patrick Buick in the fifth ward.

The Jaycees have selected their leadership for this next year. Dan Woller will be the president of the group. Other officers include vice-president Bill Trempe, Bill Morris as the internal vice-president, Cal Hinz treasurer, Tom Busha secretary, and state director Jack Hamilton. Board members are Dick Goff, Tom Hoge, Larry Sterzinger, Mike Krueger, and Scott Nocco. Werner Rusch was selected to represent the group at the spring regional in Antigo this Saturday. The Lion’s Club has elected their officers as well. Ray Galipeau Jr. will head the club, 1st vice-president Oscar Kretschmer, 2nd vice-president Duane Luedke, 3rd vice-president Frank Jaeger, secretary Ray Galipeau Sr., treasurer Raymond Schwartz, tail-twister Kimberly Chilsen, and Lion tamer Leonard Hodgson.

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A fire ravaged the apartment building adjoining the Foto News offices last Wednesday afternoon. Sales consultant Kevin O’Day phoned in the report to the fire department as he left work at around 5 p.m. Firefighters were on the scene quickly according to O’Day and the extensive damage was limited to the apartments. Pictured fighting the blaze are firefighters Bruce English and Norm Hanson atop the ladder truck, firefighters Mike Drury and Albert Hommerding on ladders, and DNR Fire Ranger and civilian volunteer are pictured assisting with hose lines as Fire Chief Harvey Emanuel directs the operations from the rear door of the apartments. (This was a rather rundown apartment building which turned into a vacant lot, and now is the home of Cosmo number three. I also was amazed they drove the aerial truck down onto the railroad tracks to fight the fire)

The newest department store to come to Merrill is preparing for their grand opening. Spurgeon’s Department Store, a chain retailer with a 79-year history has stores in Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and now store number 84 in Merrill. The projected opening of the store is April 24. Now that it is official that Spurgeon’s is opening in downtown, it ends the worst kept secret on who the replacement is for the now vacant former Livingston’s Department Store which closed after the retirement of its owner.

Can the Town of Corning operate its own fire department? Some members of the town think so and now a four-man committee has been established to explore the idea further. Residents of the town discussed their displeasure with the abilities of the Merrill Fire Department to provide rural fire service to its township and asked the town board to establish a volunteer fire department. Town resident and local tavern owner Ed Dinges told the board at their annual meeting that he has signed up 26 residents to fill the rosters of the department if it were to form. Town Chairman Bill Behrens notes the urgency to make a decision on the matter as the rural fire group, consisting of the Towns of Corning, Pine River, Harding, Scott, Rock Falls, Merrill and the Marathon County Town of Texas are all set to share the costs of a new pumper and tanker truck which will be purchased and used by the Merrill Fire Department. The pumper truck is expected to cost $92,000 and the tanker $85,000, the town also pays $2,300 a year for fire protection from Merrill. Fire Chief Harvey Emanuel scoffed at the notion that a volunteer department could be formed for as little as $10,000 as was told at the meeting, noting it costs $1,600 just to outfit one firefighter. Emanuel also countered that the department remains committed to rural fire responses. Dinges, Stan Wendt, Merlin Steinagel and Robert Wendt will come back to the town board by May with a report on the feasibility of forming their own department.

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The general contractor for the South Center Avenue bridge project has announced that the bridge will close for good on Monday. Motorists will have to use the prescribed detours as soon as the bridge closes. The DOT will also most likely install flashing lights on the temporary stop signs on West Main Street at State Street.
The Sisters of Mercy of Holy Cross will hold an open house at the convent, now known as Bell Tower, this Sunday afternoon. The event is part of the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Treasuring Merrill’s Past” open house. The Sisters came to Merrill in 1923 and resided at the Scott Mansion. But the growth of the order and the planned high school for girls led to the construction of the new larger facility. Ground was broken in 1946 and the building was dedicated in June of 1947. Sister Heliodora Haag, age 93 and a resident of Bell Tower, explains that when the building was built it was made into the shape of a T so no one had to look out of their window into another’s windows. The four floors were each designated for strict purposes; the first floor was the offices and reception rooms, the second floor was the living quarters for the Sisters, and the third floor was the student dormitory area, while the fourth floor was the kitchen and dining hall. The Bell Tower itself ironically only received a bell a few years ago. For years the Sisters played a recording of the bells from a famous German monastery to signal the start of services. (My mother spent the last week of her life on the second floor at Bell Tower and was very nervous about being on that floor as it seems every graduate remembers for the rest of their lives to stay off the second floor as it is off limits to students.)

By Wally Leipart, MAPS Superintendent

We are excited to share with you the changes we are making to our Achievement Gap Reduction Program (AGR). AGR replaces SAGE and now includes an accountability component that requires data reporting and changes to instructional practices which result in an increase of student achievement.

We have developed a plan that allows us to meet the requirement of instructional coaches by increasing the average class sizes in kindergarten through third grade by three students. Reassigning existing staff to be instructional coaches allows us to responsibly implement the program within the existing budget.
Instructional coaches will be added to Washington, Jefferson and Kate Goodrich to assist in using data, providing best instructional practices, and supporting personalized learning and the growth of all students. Instructional coaches will work with grade levels and individual teachers to assist in the transition to a personalized learning environment. Coaches will meet weekly with administration to receive the support and professional development they need. They will also be able to partake in the DLC trainings. Instructional coaches will be considered based on administrator recommendation and individuals that indicate an interest in this position.

Some of the specific goals for the instructional coaches are:
•Focus on assisting teachers in using data to guide teaching and learning
•Utilize effective coaching strategies that promote the teacher as the facilitator in the art of learning
•Increase teacher capabilities in effective instructional strategies with ipads and 1 to 1 technology
•Assist in the transformation from a teacher centered environment to a learner centered environment
•Assist in providing training in the components of a personalized learning classroom
If you have any questions, please contact your building principal.

Thank you for being a part of an amazing community that cares about our kids!

The Youth Optimist chosen for March, Madey Heimerl, was nominated by Mrs. Bethany Martinovici. Mrs. Martinovici states that, “Madey is an excellent student with added talents in the arts – many of her projects have been displayed throughout the community. Madey has taken advantage of the Youth Options program through Northcentral Technical College which allows students to take college level courses as high school students. Her success in the program is due to her dedication and hard work. As she experiences college programs she also has the opportunity to earn college credits. Madey is an Ambassador at NTC – serving students and giving tours to groups who are interested in attending NTC in the future.” Mrs. Martinovici also comments that, “as a junior, Madey participated in Link Crew and I was able to observe her leadership skills and optimism daily through her work as a strong support to freshman. She was always patient, non-judgmental, helpful and encouraging to all around her. I noticed Madey being sensitive and understanding, and most appreciative of others despite challenges they may have had. I have been impressed with the nature of commitment and positive attitude to all activities she participated in and with the maturity of thought she applies to her daily life.”

During high school, Madey was enrolled in AP Lit & Comp, AP Psychology as well as attending NTC part time. Her senior year she has been taking classes at NTC full time. She is currently on the Dean’s List for her grades and will graduate high school with 31 college credits. She had participated in Link Crew, Youth Apprenticeship, Student Tutor, Octagon Club, Dorinda’s Dance and trap team.

Outside of school, Madey is involved in Youth Ministry, a muralist (assisted in painting Blooming Wishes Mural) and campus Ambassador for NTC.

After graduation, Madey plans to attend UW-Stout majoring in Vocational Rehabilitation and a minor in Psychology. She is the daughter of Amy and Eric Heimerl.

There will be a fundraiser for the MHS Music Department on Thursday, April 7 at Culver’s, 3349 E. Main St., Merrill. Culver’s will be donating 10% of their proceeds from their 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. sales on Thursday.

The proceeds from this fundraiser will go toward the students that are going on the MHS Music Department trip to Orlando, Florida.