Debbie Moellendorf
4-H Youth Development Educator

4-H members are busy putting the finishing touches on their projects to be exhibited at this year’s Lincoln County Fair that will be held July 22-26 at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Merrill. Since 1920, when the first 4-H club was organized in Lincoln County, 4-H’ers in Lincoln County have been exhibiting their 4-H project work at the Lincoln County Fair. In addition to youth involved in 4-H, youth who are members of FFA, Scouts and other youth organizations in the county also participate in the Lincoln County Fair.

Exhibiting at the Lincoln County Fair is one of many learning experiences that contribute to the positive development of a young person in 4-H and Extension youth programs. Through the fair judging experience youth learn, recognize their accomplishments (effort and successes), evaluate their efforts, and are guided through a process to consider what they might learn next. Each young person is a winner for trying. Encouragement from one adult can make a big difference in a young person’s life. Adults, including parents/guardians and 4-H leaders should focus on the efforts of the youth and the learning that is occurring, not the color of the ribbon. No matter what the 4-H member’s project is, the focus of adults must be the 4-H member. Ribbons and awards will fade, but the things young people learn last a lifetime.

This year’s Lincoln County Fair judging will begin with the Jr. Dog Show on Saturday, July 11 at 8 a.m. including agility, obedience, and showmanship. In case of rain the Dog Show will be held on Sunday, July 12 at 5 p.m. On the following Saturday, July 18, the Jr. Horse Show will be held including pleasure classes, trail classes and gymkhana events. Fair exhibitors in both Jr. and Open divisions will bring in their entries on Wednesday, July 22 with face-to-face judging occurring in many Jr. Division departments from noon to 7 p.m. that day. Judging continues that evening in the Jr. Cloverbuds and both the Jr. and Open Division Flowers and Houseplants departments. On Thursday, July 23 judging will continue in many Jr. and Open departments, including Jr. Beef, Sheep and Swine; Jr. and Open Photography, Jr. and Open Family Living, Jr. and Open Cultural Arts; Open Antiques, Jr. and Open Plant and Soil Sciences and Jr. and Open Rabbits. Friday, July 24, judging continues with the Jr. and Open Poultry and Jr. Dairy departments. Judging will conclude on Saturday, July 25, with the Jr. Small Animals, Jr. Cats, Jr. and Open Exotic Animals, and Jr. and Open Goats. Sunday, July 26, will be the last day of the fair with exhibitors of all ages collecting their entries and heading home that evening with a sense of accomplishment and beginning their plans for next year’s fair exhibits.

Many youth are also involved leadership roles that help make the Lincoln County Fair a reality. They serve as department chair people and committee members who oversee various departments at the fair. Through these experiences young people are developing their leadership skills while providing the opportunity for other youth to display their project work. Older youth, who serve as Lincoln County 4-H Ambassadors, will be very visible during the county fair in emceeing, distributing awards, and promoting 4-H. And still other 4-H youth will be working in the 4-H Dairyland/Potato Stand and 4-H Raffle/Promotion Booth. All of the funds raised from each of these efforts are utilized to support 4-H experiences throughout the year.

During the Fair, there will be several new activities for fairgoers to learn more about the opportunities young people have through 4-H. One of those is the new “Project Place,” hosted by members of the Lincoln County 4-H Board of Directors in the Exhibit Tent located behind the Schulz and Steckling Buildings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the Fair from Noon to 6 p.m. Activities in the “Project Place” are free and open to youth of all ages. Each day will have a different theme and activities so youth can come each day to experience new projects.

Themes are as follows:
• July 23- Space is the place with a warm up game at the beginning of every hour and a new craft each hour;
• July 24- Mad Lab Friday with a warm up game at the beginning of every hour and a new experiment each hour; and
• July 25- Super Hero Saturday with all day activities on making you into your own super hero and showing off your powers with photo to take with you.

Another new opportunity to learn about 4-H will be during the new Lincoln County Fair Tour. During the tour, we will walk through the exhibit areas and several 4-H’ers will share information about their projects, what they enjoy about 4-H, and other opportunities they have had through 4-H. On Friday, July 24, youth from the Merrill Park and Recreation summer program in grades 3 through 5 will be visiting the fair to take part in this tour and participate in activities at the “Project Place.” A second Fair Tour will be held on Saturday, July 25, beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Exhibit Tent located behind the Schulz and Steckling Buildings. Saturday’s Tour is open to all fairgoers.

Due to the success last year, there will again be an opportunity for the public to participate in a 4-H Scavenger Hunt for prizes. Interested participants should stop by the Exhibit Tent to get started.
4-H helps youth grow the leadership, critical thinking and communications skills necessary to be successful in a constantly changing world. Viewing the exhibits; watching the judging, participating in the “Project Place,” Fair Tour and/or Scavenger Hunt at the Lincoln County Fair are great ways to see some of things that young people are learning and accomplishing through their 4-H experience.
If you are interested in learning more about 4-H or want to get involved in Lincoln County 4-H, please feel free to contact Debbie or Amanda at the UW-Extension office at (715) 539-1072 or visit our website at http://lincoln.uwex.edu/ or subscribe to the Lincoln County 4-H Blog http://fyi.uwex.edu/lincolncounty4h/ for up to the minute 4-H news. Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development is a program of the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension in partnership with local, state and federal government in each Wisconsin county.

Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

During a recent compliance check campaign conducted as a joint effort between the Merrill Police Department and other state agencies, local retailers were flawless in their efforts to prevent tobacco sales to underage persons.

According to Captain Corey Bennett, the checks are conducted annually in conjunction with the State Health Department and Wisconsin Department of Health Services as part of the WI WINS.

The WI WINS program aims to prevent tobacco sales to minors through enforcement activity as well as maintaining Wisconsin’s youth tobacco access rate below the federal requirement of 20%.

As Bennett relates, this is the second year of 100% compliance from area retailers.

Last year, 29 checks were completed with zero in non-compliance and this year 33 checks were completed with zero in non-compliance. In 2012, only one area retailer was found to be in non-compliance.

“This is just outstanding,” Bennett said. “Compared to other compliance rates this is just fantastic. We are ready to take enforcement action if necessary, but it is great to know our local retailers are doing their part to address the issue of underage tobacco sales. Our goal in everything we do is to achieve 100% compliance and we would certainly like to see this sort of success spread.”

As Bennett alluded to, if and when a retailer is found to be in non-compliance with laws pertaining to sale of tobacco to underage persons, and enforcement action is necessary; a citation in the amount of $199.60 is issued. If a second offense occurs within a 12 month period, the citation amount is increased to $262.60.

Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

On the evening of June 27, Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Eagles awarded Lieutenant Greg Hartwig and Officer Matt Waid of the Merrill Police Department, with the Wisconsin State Aerie Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, at their annual banquet in Fond du Lac.

The award is recognition of the duo’s life saving efforts during a call last summer.

On the evening of Friday August 1st at 9:20 p.m. the Lincoln County 911 Communications Center received a call of a male party who was not breathing on the city’s west side.

Waid, a six year department veteran, was only a few blocks from the origin of the call and immediately responded.

Upon arrival, Waid discovered the patient lacked a pulse and was not breathing.

In addition, he was informed every med unit of the Merrill Fire Department had been deployed to other calls. Waid immediately began CPR on the patient. Three minutes later, he was joined by Hartwig, a 25 year department veteran.

The two officers engaged in administering CPR and the use of an Artificial External Defribulator.
Upon arrival of a med unit and emergency medical staff at 9:27 p.m., the patient’s pulse had returned and was transported to a hospital for treatment.

Doctors later credited Hartwig and Waid’s efforts for saving the man’s life.

“I’ll never forget that night,” Waid recollects. “It’s something you don’t think about when you arrive to a situation like that. You just do what you know how to do without a second thought, that’s the best way I can explain it. It was sheer excitement when we found out everything was successful.”
Hartwig agrees.

“It was a great feeling to hear everything went well. Unfortunately things don’t always go well in those types of situations so it’s a pretty good feeling when it does.

“It’s not abnormal for police officers to be put in those situations. The average person may have to administer CPR once in their lifetime, but it’s a part of our job. We often times arrive before the paramedics, just due to an officer being in the vicinity. When we get there, we get to work with life saving measures right away and then we always try to follow up with medical staff, hoping for a positive outcome. Like I said, in cases like this it’s a great feeling to hear good news.”

The pair was informed last month by Chief Ken Neff, he had nominated the pair for the award.

“I was surprised to say the least,” Hartwig said. “I guess I just never expect or think about being recognized for doing my job. I appreciated it, but just didn’t expect it,” he adds with a bit of a smile.

“I thought it was very cool when I found out!” Waid adds with a broad grin of his own. “I wasn’t expecting any sort of recognition, I was surprised. But it’s also nice to be recognized sometimes.”

On the evening of the 27th, the two took part in an awards dinner along with another award recipient before being officially presented with their respective plaques.

“The hospitality from the Eagles Club was just amazing,” Waid explains. “I am just very appreciative of everything they did for us, they were great.”

“Although it felt a little odd for me to be up there receiving an award for doing my job, I am really appreciative of the Eagles Club for everything they did for us as well,” Hartwig adds. “In this day and age, it’s nice to see organizations like the Eagles recognize and appreciate the efforts of law enforcement and fire fighters for the jobs they do.”

Hartwig also cites the CPR/First Aid training provided by the Merrill Police Department, as well as the Merrill community for funding AED units which are now in every department vehicle.

“Without this training and equipment,” he said, “our officers would not be able to engage in life saving measures when a situation calls for it.”

Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

Since being vacated by its tenant unit in February, the National Guard Armory on Memorial Drive in Merrill may appear abandoned or desolate to the naked eye.

According to Captain Joe Trovato, Wisconsin Army National Guard Director of Public Affairs, the armory in fact remains very active.

Prior to February the building was occupied by the 58-member 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Headquarters Company Detachment I.

However, as part of the US Army’s unit reorganization initiative, the Merrill detachment was consolidated with Detachment II in Wausau, with the last drill date for Merrill soldiers being held in November 2014.

According to a press release from the Department of Military Affairs, “The reorganization allows several units currently spread out in multiple locations across the state, to consolidate operations in fewer locations, to improve command and control of the unit, unit cohesion, efficiencies and accountability.”
The reorganization is also due in part to changes in the structure of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

The brigade combat team’s 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, located in Wausau and Merrill, was transformed into the newly created 173rd Brigade Engineer Battalion upon the consolidation at the Wausau Armory.

The 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s reorganization also included the addition of a new artillery battery, and a downsizing of the 132nd Brigade Support Battalion.

Upon completion of the consolidation, the armory now serves as a drill and training center as part of the National Guard’s Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP).

“RSP educates new recruits in basic Army knowledge prior to engaging in basic training or Advanced Individualized Training. In some cases, recruits have completed training and are awaiting assignment to their permanent units,” Trovato said.

While the number of recruits at the armory at any given time may fluctuate, he estimates 80-100 recruits visit the Merrill facility one weekend a month, every month.

“RSP designates drill location based on a recruit’s geographical area. A majority of the recruits drilling in Merrill reside in the Merrill area or close by,” Trovato adds.

During their stay at the Merrill armory, recruits will engage in a variety of activities meant to develop and sharpen their knowledge base such as drill and ceremony, weapon break down and maintenance and other basic military functions and customs.

At the present time Trovato indicates there are no plans in place to close the building.

Dear Editor,

I made a mistake and I apologize.

On Thursday, July 2nd I voted for the budget wrap-up motion to complete the Joint Finance Committee’s work.

The wrap-up motion contained a number of technical amendments along with some very good provisions like adding $500,000 for Fabrication Laboratories to help K-12 students receive 21st century engineering skills and two additional employees for the Department of Justice to prosecute gun crimes.
I chose to vote for the wrap-up motion though it contained provisions relating to the open records law. In retrospect, I should have had the open records provisions removed from the wrap-up motion or voted no.

The first rule I adhere to in a situation like this is to admit a mistake when it happens and the second is to fix it. Therefore the following morning I issued a press release calling for the removal of the open records provisions from the wrap-up motion, and I called the Senate Majority Leader to urge him to remove the provision. Two days later the provisions were removed.

On Tuesday, the State Senate debated the budget bill. I co-authored Senate Amendment 1, which removes changes made to open records in the wrap-up motion. The amendment passed unanimously. The open records provisions are gone, and the budget bill is now being reviewed by the Governor.

Quite honestly I am embarrassed by the event. I insist on full transparency in my office and my staff takes great pride in having the utmost transparency in the office you have given me the privilege to hold. In addition, I try to fulfill as many media requests as possible, so you know where I stand on the issues of the day.

I appreciate those of you who have contacted me, including those of you who have given me an earful. For those of you who wish to contact me, see the legislative website for my e-mail address or call 608-266-2509.

Thank you.

Tom Tiffany
State Senator
12th Senate District

All the entries for the Name the Fairgrounds Contest have been submitted to the ad-hoc committee – all 193 names and the top three submissions have been selected. The three names that will now go onto the ballot are: Merrill Event Grounds; Merrill Event Park; and Merrill Festival Grounds. Voting will begin on July 20 and run through Aug. 31.

Each ad-hoc committee member voted for three submitted names, arriving at the top three names. Two of the names selected had been submitted by several different people. In the case of one of those names being voted the winner, the first person who submitted the name in the contest will be declared the winner. All entries were numbered and added to the list on a daily basis. No duplicate names were submitted on the same day and there can only be one winner.

Now the names selected will go out into the community for voting. As a fundraiser, everyone voting will be asked to donate $5 with their ballot. Ballot boxes will be available at the Chamber, Johnson’s Gifts & Collectibles and at the Lincoln County Fair (July 22-26) in the Sell Building at the Wellness Center (Gress Chiropractic) booth and at the Eagle’s Club beer garden. The winner of the “Name the (former) Fairgrounds Contest” will win a pair of tickets to each of the big events held on the former fairgrounds site during the 2016 season.

“The ad-hoc committee for the fairgrounds is making great progress on the planning phase of the grounds and had a fun time selecting the top three entries out of a field of 193 entries,” said Debbe Kinsey, Merrill Chamber CEO. “Now we are anxious to see which name the community will vote for and begin a brand new future for the fairgrounds property.”

In addition, the Merrill Chamber Foundation has opened a new community project fund for tax-deductible donations for the fairgrounds. Donations can be made to the Merrill Events Fund and sent to the foundation at Merrill Chamber Foundation, Inc, 705 N. Center Ave., Merrill, WI 54452. In addition, a Go Fund Me account has also been set-up on-line under the name Merrill Events Fund. Donations to the Go Fund Me are not tax-deductible however.

For more information contact the Chamber at 715-536-9474.

Rita D. Campanile, 69, died unexpectedly Friday, June 26, 2015 at her home in Mesa, AZ. She was born May 29, 1946 to the late Lloyd and Elaine Zastrow. She graduated from Merrill Senior High School in 1964. She married the late Armand Campanile in Wharton, New Jersey in 1987. After her husband’s death, she moved back to Merrill and then five years ago moved to Mesa, AZ to be by her brother Dale and his wife, and the warm sunshine of Arizona. Rita loved to dance, exercise and do bus trips with her friends.Survivors include her brothers, Dale (Linda) Zastrow of Mesa, AZ, Lane (Karen) Zastrow of Merrill, WI; nephew Dean (Lynn) Zastrow of Oshkosh, WI; aunts and cousins.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband Armand Campanile, parents Lloyd and Elaine Zastrow, grandparents Emil and Augusta Zastrow, Richard and Pauline Boettcher, uncles, aunts and cousins.

Rita was cremated at Angels Cremation in Mesa, AZ and there will be a private Memorial Service on August 23, 2015 in Shawano, WI.

Grace L. Collins, age 70, of Merrill and formerly of Tomahawk, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2015. She was born September 5, 1944.
Grace grew up in Chicago and attended SS Cyril and Methodius Grade School. She was a 1963 graduate of the Alvernia Catholic High School. Grace moved to Tomahawk in 1986. She married Alan Pizon; he passed in 1987. She later married Thomas “TC” Collins on May 16, 1998, at St. Mary’s Church in Tomahawk; he passed in 2014. Grace was employed as a secretary/office manager for many years. She enjoyed her vacations to Branson, MO. Her hobbies included taking care of her flowers, socializing and going to dinner. Grace was deeply devoted to her pets.
Survivors include: Her caregiver and long-time friend, Teddy Tritten, of Merrill, and her Aunt Dorothy Wetherbee, of Brainerd, MN.
A graveside memorial service will be set and announced at a future date. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. View Grace’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com.

After a life well-lived, Clara Arvilla Emilie (Euler) Ricci went to be with the Lord on July 10, 2015, at the age of 104. Think of all the history and changes she saw during her lifetime! She was a great blessing to her family and so many others and her presence will continue to be felt in the many life lessons that she demonstrated.

Clara was born on April 8, 1911, to the late August and Hety (Wendorf) Euler. She was the middle child of nine children and outlived all of her siblings. On May 19, 1928, Clara married Angelo Ricci and together they ran a dairy farm and raised five children. Clara was a thrifty and resourceful homemaker who was “green” before it was cool. She did not like to see anything go to waste. She sewed her children’s clothes without using patterns and baked 20-30 loaves of bread a week. She was known for her hospitality and never let a visitor leave without a meal.

After retiring from farming, Clara and Angelo renovated the one-room schoolhouse where all five of their children had attended school and converted it into a home where they spent the next 30 years. They looked forward every winter to escaping to sunny Florida where they tended their orange trees and welcomed family who came to visit. Clara and Angelo celebrated 63 years of marriage together before they were parted by his death on October 11, 1991.

Clara was an active lady and lived independently until past the age of 100. She visited family around the country, reconnected with her husband’s family in Italy, and even travelled at the age of 85 to Saudi Arabia to visit her daughter and son-in-law, Darlene and John Losacco. In Florida she regularly swam and rode her three-wheel bike and could often be found playing cards or board games. Clara was an avid baker and will forever be remembered for her giant batches of German coffee cakes which she shared with many.

Clara loved babies and would hold and rock babies as often as she could. She also had a talent for nurturing plants and kept vegetable and flower gardens for many years. Clara drove until she was 95 years old, and was known to have a heavy foot, especially when running late for church. Clara enjoyed the activities and companionship of Red Hatters both in Merrill and Charlotte, NC.

Clara was a member of Bible Presbyterian Church in Merrill for over 60 years. She was also active with Bethany Guild and Tug Lake Bible Study Group. Her deep love of the Lord guided her thoughts and footsteps throughout her life and she would end every day on her knees in prayer.

Her loving example was the foundation for the nurturing family she leaves behind. Clara is survived by her five children: Junior (Karen) Ricci of Wausau; Darlene (John) Losacco of Charlotte, NC; Robert (Patti) Ricci of Irma; Peggy (Bill) Anderson of DePere; and Linda (Chet) Rhinehart of Merrill. She also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband Angelo, Clara is preceded in death by brothers Marvin, Lawrence, Ruben, Elmer and Ray; sisters Viola, Irene and Eleanor; daughter-in-law Dorothy Ricci; and grandchildren Johnny and Jeanne Losacco.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent in Clara’s name to Bible Presbyterian Church in Merrill or AseraCare hospice, who helped provide loving care during Clara’s final weeks.

Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 15, at 11 a.m., with visitation taking place on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. All remembrances will be held at Bible Presbyterian Church in Merrill. Burial will take place at Merrill Memorial Park.

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

Alice M. Fillion (nee Gribble), 75, of Minocqua, formerly of Gleason, passed away on Saturday July 11, 2015 at the Season’s of Life Hospice House in Woodruff.
Survivors include her husband David, son Mark (Lisa) Fillion of Antigo and two grandchildren, Heather Marie Fillion and Michael John Fillion.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday July 15, 2015 at 11 AM in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Lac du Flambeau. Visitation will be one hour prior the Mass at the church with a lunch to follow.
Bolger Cremation and Funeral Services of Minocqua and Woodruff is serving the family.
Visit www.bolgerfuneral.com.

Christopher James Koskey was called to his eternal home on July 9, 2015 at Community Memorial Hospital in Menomonee Falls, WI.
Chris is survived by his parents, Peter and Sarah Koskey; his brother, Tyler, and his soon-to-be sister-in-law, Anne; his maternal grandparents, Howard and Christine Peck; and his great-grandparents, Jake and Helen Zimmerman. Chris is also survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Chris was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edmond Koskey and Joyce Kolbe; and his great-grandparents, Lawrence and Pearl Schield, Vera Zimmerman, and Earl and Stella Koplitz.
Chris was born August 11, 1983. Chris lived his life putting God and family first. He had the biggest heart; always loving, caring, and giving to anyone he met. Chris loved the outdoors and spent any free time hunting and fishing. He was employed by Engineered Products and Services, Menomonee Falls; Wageworks, Inc., Mequon; and most recently, St. John Lutheran Church and School, Merrill.
Chris was a registered organ donor and four lives have been saved by his generous gift of life.
The funeral service will begin at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, July 16, 2015, at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Joel Hoelter will officiate. Entombment will follow in Merrill Memorial Park Mausoleum. Visitation will begin at 11:00 A.M. Thursday at the church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.

It is with great sadness that Wendy S. Getgen-Paul, age 54, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2015 at home.

She is survived by her husband John; sons Jason, Adam (fiancée Amanda), Pascal and Ray; father Donald Riggs and stepmother Linda Riggs; sisters and brothers Lorri (Mark) Toomey, Barb (Randy) Riggs, Heather (Aaron) Herum, Scott (Theresa) Riggs, Darrin (Sarah) Riggs, Dacia (fiancée Steve) Riggs; mother-in-law Patricia Paul; brothers- and sisters-in-law Pam (Tony) Alcala, Tom (Jean) Paul, Patrick (Christine) Paul, Mary Paul, Joe (Dana) Paul, Peggy (Jeff) Bahling, Christy (Tim) Wuetrich, Jennifer (Bryson) Muenier; aunt Mary Nixon (Burnley) Doxey and a great number of cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother Maggie Riggs and maternal and paternal grandparents.

A long-time resident of Merrill, Wendy was a successful business owner, gardener, and die-hard Blue Jays supporter.

A private service will be held. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com

Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
Next Wednesday, the Lincoln County Fair will kick off its 129th year.
As Fair president Dale Christiansen explains, set-up and preparation for the event has been a work in progress since mid-June.
“Our set-up really begins right alongside the rodeo, being we use the same fencing during the fair as they do,” he said. “Then around the first of July is when we really get down to being busy. We have a five man crew this year that has put in several 12-16 hour days. We are caught up now as of this week, but next week it will be back to the grind when tents and equipment start rolling in. We have a good crew who really work hard to get everything ready.”
Along with the return of the many 4-H and livestock exhibits fair goers have come to expect every year, Mr. Ed’s Magical Midway will also return this year to provide carnival entertainment.
“We were pretty happy with them last year.” Christiansen said. “They had a few of their bigger rides go down, but other than that everything went very well and everything is looking good with them this year. We ordered some new rides, so we are pretty excited about that.”
This year’s unlimited wristband special will be on Thursday, July 23 from 12-5 p.m. The cost will be $20, or $17 in advance. Ride tickets are $1.50 through the remainder of the fair and are valid all week.
Of all the new additions this year, the “Morris Family Elephant Encounter” will likely be the largest.
“They will be coming up from Florida with a couple different species of elephants and will be doing performances as well as educational and informative presentations every day of the fair, sort of like the tigers we had last year.”
The shows will be free, however Christiansen would like to point out there will be a free-will donation pail set up for audience members who may be interested in supporting the show.
“We are very lucky to have found some generous sponsors this year,” Christiansen explains. “We do our best to bring new additions every year, but attractions like these sure do not come cheap.”
Other new additions to the fair this year include Bull Falls Brewery, who will be sponsoring the entertainment tent. Several new entertainment acts to the fair will be performing in the tent, including America’s Party Band and Three Beers to Dubuque.
Another fixture returning once again this year is that of country music act Geoff Landon and the Wolfpack.
“They have been coming back every year since I have been president,” Christiansen adds. “They just do such a great job and our crowds love them, so we keep inviting them back.”
Overall, Christiansen appears excited about this year’s festivities and optimistic about the future.
“Our exhibit numbers are up in both 4-H and open class, so we are pretty happy with that. We are also already laying down the groundwork for our 130th anniversary next year. We are hoping for a grandstand so we can do something a little special,” he explained.
“I am cautiously optimistic about what the future holds now that the city has taken ownership of the ground,” Christianson continued. “At this point it is a big unknown for us, but is still better than the ‘known’ we have been dealing with for so many years. I honestly feel the city has the best of intentions with the fairgrounds and it will be interesting to see what happens next. We have seen the writing on the wall for the last 10 years, it was pretty clear what the county’s intentions were.”
Getting a new grandstand structure in place is a high priority for the fair, Christianson said.
“From our side of things, we need to come up with some sort of grandstand seating facility, so we can bring back more shows and bigger shows like motorsports and so on. We also need to upgrade our bathrooms. Aside from that, it will come down to proper upkeep and maintenance. The current state of our fairgrounds is tired and haggard. A coat of paint and blacktop would go a long way in making them more presentable.”

The following is the entertainment schedule for the 2015 Lincoln County Fair. All shows 7:30 p.m.-close.
Wednesday-America’s Party Band
Thursday: Three beers to Dubuque,
Friday: Geoff Landon and the Wolfpack
Saturday: Star Six Nine Band
Sunday: 12-3:30 Irene Keenan Jr
3:30-7:30 Brian “B-Mac” McLaughlin

Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
On Wednesday afternoon, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office identified 50 year old Marcus Wydeven, as the county highway worker who was struck and killed by a motorist on Tuesday afternoon.
At 2:26 PM on Tuesday, deputies responded to a vehicle crash on STH 17 near Smith Road in the township of Merrill.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered a southbound vehicle driven by 84 year old Mary Robinson of Antigo struck Wydeven while Wydeven was flagging traffic, while highway department crews were performing road repairs.
Both Robinson and Wydeven were transported via ambulance to Ministry-Good Samaritan Health Center in Merrill.
Wydeven was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Robinson was later transported to Aspirus-Wausau Hospital with non-life threatening injuries where she remained at the time of the press release by the Sheriff’s Office.
Wydeven was a 20 year veteran of the Lincoln County Highway Department.

Kelly O’Day
Sports editor

The Merrill Baseball Hall of Fame inducted several members into its ranks last Friday night at Athletic Park.

After a one-year break, the Merrill Baseball Hall Of Fame returned in 2015 with a new twist.
Rather than holding an elaborate banquet the way it did for its first four years through 2013, the group has gone back to the basics and incorporated it into last weekend’s American Legion Post 46 Invitational. Inductees were honored between the two games played on Friday night and threw out pitches to kick off the second game between Merrill and Holmen.

The list of inductees is strong, varied and extensive – from the Merrill Rangers’ Al Hehling, to three of the best players in MHS history in pitcher Steve Imhoff and hitters Craig Josiger and Jordan Stine, to the 1991 state champion Merrill Rangers team, to recently-retired MHS coach Brian Artac.

Hehling was known as a pitching and hitting threat for the semi-pro Rangers (who won state titles in 1951, ’52 and ’53) and as a prodigious umpire. He also coached American Legion ball. He put up stellar numbers for the Rangers near the end of their heyday with pitching contributions in 1956 (5-0), 1957 (6-3), 1958 (2-3), and 1960-62. Records were sketchy of the team in 1960-62 after it didn’t play in 1959, but it was noted during the 1962 season that he had a .308 batting average and was an Valley League All Star selection.

The 1991 Rangers captured the WBA Championship with Manager Bill Helmuth and players Rick Bonnell, Kevin Golisch, Jason Krueger, Shawn Schultz, Kent Reinhardt, Bill Boyd, Mike Schielke, Chad Krueger, Mark Hassel, Mike Helmuth, Steve Hintze, Chad Meyer, Jeff Beyer, Scott Wright and Brant Westberg.

Stine posted the highest single season batting average of .515 in 2005, and was a First Team All-Valley pick in 2003 and ’05 as well as being the Valley Player of the Year in ’05. He also picked up First Team All-State that year, and helped the American Legion Post 46 team to a state championship. A knee injury impeded his junior campaign. He continued excellent play into his college career at UW-Whitewater, where the centerfielder was a four-time WIAC All Conference choice, and NCAA All-District First Team in 2010 and Second Team in 2006, ’07 and ‘08. He bounced back from a shoulder injury in 2009 to hit .379 with 48 RBIs and 19 stolen bases in 2010 as the Warhawks reached the NCAA D3 Sweet 16. Whitewater was one of the top teams in NCAA D3 in those years, reaching the World Series in 2008 and grabbing three WIAC titles in Stine’s four years. He was part of a string of five consecutive home runs in a game, and was named to the WIAC 100-year anniversary All-Time Baseball Team. He is also #2 on the all-time scoring list for MHS basketball and was a two-time First Team All-Valley choice.

Imhoff posted an 20-6 career MHS record with 1.45 ERA in 169 innings pitched. He was 7-1 as a sophomore and 8-1 as a senior. He pitched two games in WIAA State Tournaments (1974 & 1976) and won them both.

Josiger is the current MHS career doubles leader, and second to Alex Cordova with a .472 career batting average, ended in 1988. For over 20 years, the shortstop held career or single-season records for batting average, hits, RBI and doubles. The two-time First Team All-Valley selection drew heavy interest from many college programs, as well as MLB scouts. Craig also won the 145 pound WIAA wrestling title his senior year compiling a 34-1 record after placing 6th as a junior.

Artac coached in Merrill for 39 years, with 18 as the JV mentor and 16 at the helm of the varsity, posting a 195-167 record overall. His teams reached the sectional finals in 2001, 2005 and 2010. The Bluejays punched a ticket for state in ’10, losing a 2-1 heartbreaker to eventual champion Bay Port that was the game of the tourney. He was a two-time conference coach of the year and earned the WBCA State Assistant Coach of the Year in 1999. He was the District 2 selection in both 1999 and 2011. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Merrill Baseball Association since 1999.

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Merrill's American Legion Post 46 baeball team captured first place in its home tourney last weekend, starting with Friday's dismantling of Holmen.

Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

Merrill’s American Legion Post 46 baseball team overcame a season of frustration by putting it all together in its home tournament last weekend. The locals too home the trophy by knocking off D.C. Everest 6-5, Jefferson 6-5 and Holmen 10-3 over Friday and Saturday.

They did take a 16-11 loss to Rhinelander on Sunday after the tourney was decided.

Shoot-out with Everest
Adam Messerschmidt’s run broke open a 1-1 stalemate with Everest early in the third on Sunday afternoon. Jared Schmeltzer and Jake Anderson brought in the reinforcements with another pair in the fourth to set up Post 46 with a cozy 4-1 lead. Justin Pyan upped the ante to 5-1 with his run in the fifth. Down but far from out, Everest managed a spirited 4 run comeback effort in the seventh to tie it up at 5. Staring down the barrel of extra innings, Drew Hoff ripped a home run in the bottom of the seventh to seal the deal for Merrill.
“The Everest game was a close one.” Pyan said. “They had a grand slam at top of 7th to tie. Drew brought it home with a run to win it in bottom of 7th. That was the best game we played all year!”

EST: 010 000 4-5
MRL: 011 210 1-6

WP: Mitch Stockowitz (2H, R, K, 1ER in 1IP). Hitting: Trey Stevenson (2/2, R); Stellingworth (1/1. R); Hoff (2/4, R).

Jefferson dogfight

The guys found themselves on the wrong end of a 5-0 game on Saturday facing off with Jefferson. Post 164 unleashed the beast early, landing three blows in the first and pounded two more in the second.

Keenan Stellingworth finally got Post 46 on the board right away in the fourth. Ryan Golisch added another and thanks to back to back runs from Kyle Cichy and Trevor Asmundson, Merrill found themselves back in the game.

The Post 46 defense dug in to hold the Jefferson bats quiet through the seventh. Justin Pyan notched a huge run to tie it in the bottom of the seventh and Trey Stevenson’s single brought home the win.

“Jefferson is a very solid team and we ended up pulling out another close game,” Dave Pyan said. “They really went after Ryan’s (Golisch) fast ball early and got some runs on us. But then Ryan switched up his speeds and proceeded to shut them down. He had a heck of a game!.”

JFN: 320 000 0-5
MRL: 000 400 2-6

WP: Golisch (5H, 5R, 1K, BB, 5ER in 7IP). Hitting: Golisch (2/4, R); Justin Pyan (1/1. R); Stevenson (1/4, R).

Holmen blow-out
Post 46 wasted no time going to work with Holmen Post 284 in their first tournament bout on Friday.
Keenan Stellingworth put Merrill on the board right away in the first and added another in the third followed by Adam Messerschmidt to secure a convincing 3-1 lead, before Holmen’s Owen Gilbertson narrowed it to 3-2 in the bottom.

Undaunted, the well oiled Edward Burns machine kept right on chugging as Stellingworth and Messerschmidt combo’d for another pair of runs in the fourth and fifth to spearhead the dominating 10-3 win.

“Holmen is a very good team and is really young this year,” Pyan adds. “The guys really wanted this win and they showed it. They came out and just smacked the ball all over the field, which really set the tone for the weekend. Something is really starting to click with these guys lately. They are really getting it, playing as a team instead of as individuals.”

HMN: 002 001 0-3
MRL: 102 340 0-10

WP:Pyan (4H, 3R, 5BB, 1ER in 7IP). Hitting: Keenan Stellingworth (3/3, 4R); Adam Messerschmidt (1/2, 3R); Pyan (3/4).

Pyan’s excitement was obvious when speaking of the team’s performance during the tournament as a whole.

“Ya know, it’s just a great feeling for me and the guys to have won three in a row, not to mention doing it at our home tournament and winning that tournament!” he said. “We knew coming into this we would have to play hard and play very well. We had some very good teams in this tournament, especially Jefferson and Holmen. We pulled out some close ones because the guys never got down on themselves or gave up. They fought from start to finish. They are proud of themselves and I’m pretty proud of them!”

Runnin’ with the Rebels

Post 46 jumped out to a commanding early lead in the Rhinelander bout, drawing first blood off a Drew Hoff double in the bottom of the first. The Rebels answered with a pair of runs in the second, and Edward Burns post fired back with a vengeance, putting up five in the second led off by another Hoff double.

Post 46’s reign was short lived as the Rebels blasted out eight in the fourth to put the game away, scoring their entire lineup top to bottom.

“This was just a fun game for us,” comments head coach Dave Pyan.

“We had already won the tournament, so we decided to give the kids who don’t normally play a whole lot, an opportunity to get on the field. But I give Rhinelander a lot of credit, they are a pretty good baseball team who knows how to hit. They hit the ball really well and had 2 home runs.”

RHN: 020 905 0-16
MRL: 150 220 1-11

LP: Kyle Cichy. Hitting: Drew Hoff (4/4, 4); Ryan Golisch (2/2, 4RBI); Keenan Stellingworth (1/3, RBI)

Edged by Point

The guys managed to hang with the ever potent Stevens Point Post 6 on Thursday, but couldn’t quite take them down, falling 9-3.

On the bright side, the Edward Burns defense managed to hold the Sixers to just 2 runs through the fourth inning, when Messerschmidt landed the first blow. Mitch Stockowitz tied it up in the fifth and Trevor Asmundsen added another to hand his team a 3-2 lead.

Unfortunately, that would be the last of the gas in the Post 46 tank as the Sixers cut loose with a 7 run late game melee to notch the win.

“Usually we don’t fare well with Point.” Pyan said. “But we kept going at ‘em until we ran out of gas. Point is a good team, they’re going to come at you.

“We had them for seven innings, and there is something to be said about that. The kids played well and didn’t get down on themselves. The game was a lot closer than the score reflects.”
MRL: 000 120 00
SPT: 200 000 34

LP: Bowe (4H, 2R, 1K, 2BB, 2ER in 1-1/3 IP). Hitting: Messerschmidt (1/4, R); Mitch Stockowitz (2/2), Ryan Golisch (2/4).

Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
Thursday morning, Tomahawk Police Chief Al Elvins announced a drug bust having been executed in the city of Tomahawk on Wednesday afternoon.

According to a press release issued by the Tomahawk Police Department, an investigation into the sale and distribution of Methamphetamine within the city of Tomahawk and surrounding areas, concluded Wednesday with the arrest of a 27 year old male from the Merrill area.
Items seized during the bust were Methamphetamine, Marijuana, numerous paraphernalia items, a motor vehicle and approximately $1800 in U.S. Currency.
The male subject is currently in custody at the Lincoln County Jail, facing multiple felony charges including; Delivery of Methamphetamine, Possession with intent to deliver Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Chief Elvins stated that this arrest is part of a cooperative effort by the Tomahawk Police Department, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the Merrill Police Department and the North Central Drug Enforcement Task Force.

The one-room schoolhouse on the Lincoln County Fairgrounds opens its doors July 22-26 for its annual Open House. Stop in for a bit of nostalgia any time between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
This year’s new displays at Brickyard School Museum include a tribute to Fred Schepp, as well as an examination of memorization – a learning technique predominant in one-room schools.
Fred Schepp served as the co-director of Brickyard School from 2000-2007. During first graders’ visits to the school, Fred was the jack-of-all-trades; he could be found doing the duties of instructor, photographer, custodian, and more. He served on the committee which planned the first grade experience. Fred was also instrumental in collecting and organizing photographs, documents and artifacts into albums and displays which share the history of one-room rural schools in Lincoln County. His work is evident throughout the museum.
The topic of memorization as a learning technique is a second focus for this year’s Open House. Going backwards from 1950 for hundreds of years, memorization was considered the prime method of mastering material in most schools. Be it multiplication facts, famous speeches, spelling words or rules of grammar, all were to be “learned by heart.” An area of special focus in the Brickyard display will be the memorization of poetry. Visitors will rediscover many famous works of poetry memorized during their school days.

July 3
8:21 p.m.- A caller reported a bear in his yard. The caller was advised to leave the bear alone.
July 4
3:55 a.m.- An officer was on a traffic stop when he was approached by a female subject who indicated that she was involved in a domestic disturbance. Contact was made with both individuals and it was found that the incident did not reach the level of an arrest. A report will be forwarded to the district attorney’s office for his review.
2:04 p.m.- An officer responded to a business on South Pine Ridge Avenue for a report of a shoplifting incident. Staff had identified a youth that was found to have stolen an item and concealed it on his person. The youth was cited for retail theft and his parents were contacted.
6:56 p.m.- Officers were requested to assist the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Council Grounds Park Ranger with a domestic disturbance that was reported to be occurring at the park. Upon arrival of the officers, the suspect vehicle was observed leaving the park and a traffic stop was conducted. The male and female were taken into custody by LISO for several different charges.
July 5
8:29 p.m.- An officer responded to a South Pine Ridge Ave business after an employee caught an individual stealing some items. During the course of the officer’s investigation, he determined that the suspect had also stolen different items from the store on two other separate occasions. It was confirmed that the suspect had taken items from the store a total of three times. The suspect returned the stolen items and was issued three separate citations for retail theft.
July 6
2:32 p.m.- Officers arrested a male for a Probation Violation in the 500 block of East 7th Street.
5:47 p.m.- An officer investigated a complaint in reference to a male who was possibly violating his bond restrictions. As a result, charges have been referred to the District Attorney’s Office for Bail Jumping.
July 7
12:31 a.m.- A convenience store employee reported an intoxicated man had driven off from their store. An officer located the vehicle and observed it travelling very slowly and weaving in the roadway. The driver displayed characteristics of intoxication. The driver was too intoxicated to perform field sobriety tests and he was arrested for operating while intoxicated. The driver was also found to be in possession of marijuana and a marijuana pipe. A search of the vehicle revealed a methamphetamine pipe and a scale with methamphetamine residue. Drug charges were forwarded to the district attorney’s office.
9:17 a.m.- A woman reported to a deputy that she had been battered the night before. She reported she was walking near a tavern and came upon a male yelling. She told the man to “shut up” which led to an argument between the two, ending when the man reportedly struck her. The woman did not wish to pursue charges. The man’s identity is unknown.
9:34 a.m.- A crash was reported on Lake Street. A driver had failed to stop at a stop sign striking the vehicle on Lake Street. The jaws of life had to be deployed by rescue to extricate one driver who also reported injury. The offending driver was cited for failure to yield right of way from a stop sign. A crash report was completed.
11:31 a.m.- A caller reported someone had stolen a package from her porch. She had confirmed with the post office the package had been delivered.
July 8
A male party reported that someone had filed 2013 taxes using his social security number when the reporting party had yet to file his taxes. The investigating officer assisted with completing the appropriate paperwork with the victim.
Officers responded to a report of possible meth production occurring at a hotel. It was reported the hotel manager received information that persons staying at the hotel were cooking methamphetamine in their room. Officers were able to check the room and determined there was not meth production occurring.
July 9
An officer took a report of a theft of a bicycle from Pine Crest. The victim reported he was visiting his mother when his bicycle was taken from where he had parked it. A staff member was kind enough to replace the stolen bike with one or her families while the victim was on scene.
9:54 p.m.- Two young girls reported a suspicious van in the area of the library while they were walking home. They reported a white van with writing on the side was following them and a person got out of the van and hid in some bushes and was watching them. Officers provided the girls a ride home and checked the area for the vehicle but were unable to locate it. Information was passed on to other officers to continue to try to locate the van.
July 10
5:26 a.m.- Officers responded to a driving complaint. Officers located the vehicle and ultimately arrested a female for Operating While Intoxicated.
1:22 p.m.- Officers responded to a call of a fight in the 300 block of Genessee Street. The male victim was treated for serious injuries. One male was arrested for Disorderly Conduct. A second male suspect is still at large and will be charged in the near future.
July 11
12:18 a.m.- A caller reported that a male subject whom they did not know had entered their house without consent. Officers located the male subject in the driveway of the residence and he was detained at that point. It was found that during the course of his arrival at the property he had damaged a service door to the garage. The male subject was arrested for criminal trespass to a dwelling, criminal damage to property and a probation violation. He was transported to the jail.
12:25 a.m.- Officers took a report of a domestic disturbance in progress. Upon arrival of officers, it was found that the male suspect had fled from the scene with another individual. During the course of the investigation, it was found that the male subject showed up at the residence and shoved the female party. The male subject will be charged with domestic disorderly conduct and bail jumping.
9:10 p.m.- Officers took a report of a domestic disturbance that was occurring on Grand Avenue. The investigating officer found that the female suspect had thrown a beer can at the male subject striking him. The officer was unable to locate the female suspect and this matter will be forwarded to the district attorney’s office for charges.
9:56 p.m.- Officers took a report of a disturbance that had taken place while a group of youths were walking down the street. The youths indicated that they had a confrontation with a male subject when the male jumped out of his vehicle and advised the youths that he was “tweeking on meth.” The male subject punched one of the youths in the head and then fled the area. Based on the description of the male subject and the vehicle, officers were able to locate the suspect. The male subject was arrested for disorderly conduct and bail jumping.

The Lincoln County University of Wisconsin – Extension would like to thank Brent, Cindy, Evelyn and Tanner Reinhardt for pressure canners that have been donated in loving memory of Faye Reinhardt. Pressure canners will be used to teach food preservation classes and establish a master food preservation program in Lincoln County.
Brent, Cindy, Evelyn and Tanner Reinhardt wanted to honor Grandma Faye by helping others learn one of her passions that she shared with family – food preservation. Grandma Faye passed her passion for food preservation and cooking on to Cindy. Cindy commented, “July 18th marks one year since she left us. She loved her family, flowers and food… cooking, baking and canning. She took great joy in making the foods that her family raved over time and time again (apple bars, chicken dumpling soup, etc). She was the go-to person in the family for odd questions/remedies, meal recipes, mending etc. Forever loved and sorely missed.”
As you bring out your food preservation equipment or purchase new, remember these few important things:
·Inspect and repair any food preservation equipment at the beginning of the season. Now is a good time to inspect canners or food dehydrators to make sure all equipment is in working condition. And start now to collect approved canning jars and lids for use during the season. Canning jars that use two-piece self-sealing metal lids are recommended for home canning. Jars should be free of nicks or scratches. A ‘must’ every canning season are new flat lids; metal screw bands that are not bent or rusted can be reused.
·Have dial-gauge pressure canners tested for accuracy. A pressure canner is essential for canning low-acid vegetables, meats, fish and poultry. Pressure canners come with either a dial-gauge or a weighted-gauge. Dial-gauge pressure canners should be tested each year for accuracy. The Lincoln UW-Extension offices offer free dial-gauge testing; please call ahead (715-539-1072) for appointment.
·Always follow an up-to-date tested recipe from a reliable source. This is perhaps the most important step in preparing for home food preservation, according to Dr. Barb Ingham (University of Wisconsin Extension food scientist). Cookbooks and old family recipes are not reliable sources of research-tested recipes.

The University of Wisconsin Extension has up-to-date recipes in bulletins on safe canning of fruit, jams and jellies, meat, pickles, salsa, tomatoes, and vegetables; and information on freezing fruits and vegetables.
Again, the Lincoln County University of Wisconsin – Extension would like to thank Brent, Cindy, Evelyn and Tanner Reinhardt for their donated in memory of Grandma Faye to keep her passion for food preservation alive.