Are you free this Sunday afternoon? If so, you should head on down to the Eastbay Sports Complex in Wausau at 6 p.m. to watch the championship soccer game between Wausau United and Merrill Lobos F.C.

The teams and game are through the Central Wisconsin Adult Soccer League, or CWASL. Formerly known as “Wausau Hispanic Soccer League” that has been operating in North Central Wisconsin since 2002, it has evolved from serving as a way to bring leisure time primarily to Latin American families, to a regular summer event where people from all over the world can enjoy viewing or playing the game of soccer.

Besides the fact that Merrill will be competing in this championship, Merrill Mayor Bialecki has a friendly wager going on with Wausau Mayor Robert B. Mielke. The losing team’s mayor has to by the winning team’s mayor dinner from the Mexican restaurant of his choice. Bialecki said that if Merrill won, Mielke will pay for dinner at Merrill’s very own Los Mezcales restaurant.

The league typically runs from May through September, and games are played on Sundays at the Eastbay Sports Complex located in Wausau, Wisconsin. There are different amounts of teams that participate in the league each year, coming from several surrounding cities including Antigo, Merrill, Mosinee, Plainfield, Abbotsford, Bancroft, Mattoon and Wausau.

For more information on the Central Wisconsin Adult Soccer League, visit their Facebook page or call 715-212-4183

What began as a social media frenzy accusing Merrill City Administrator Dave Johnson of wrongdoing over the handling of storage items at the Merrill Festival Grounds two weeks ago, is now headed for an official, independent investigation.

Following debated discussion during Wednesday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, city council members voted 6-2 (4th District Alderwoman Kandy Peterson and 5th District alderman/Council President John Burgener opposing) to pursue an outside investigation into the matter.

The issue involves Johnson granting permission for a private individual from outside the county to remove items from the Schultz Building at the Merrill Festival Grounds. The items had been stored there by Lincoln County and other entities prior to the city taking ownership of the grounds from Lincoln County last year. While no one seems to have a detailed list of what was stored there, or what was removed, the items did include doors and table that originally came from the Lincoln County Courthouse. Arrangements have reportedly been made to have the items returned.

The matter began July 25, the day after the Lincoln County Fair closed. Fair Association member Brian Severt said he encountered Merrill Fire Chief Dave Savone and two other men in the Schultz Building. He later saw them leaving with a trailer load of items that had been stored in the building. He related that Savone told him that Johnson had given permission to remove the items.

Severt took photos of the trailer load of items and posted them on Facebook, questioning whether they should be taken out of Lincoln County.

“For some reason I felt I should take a picture of the truck and trailer,” Severt said.

Johnson later said he felt the items were in poor condition and had little value. Because the building was being prepared for demolition, he allowed the items to be removed.

“When the City of Merrill took over the Fairgrounds from Lincoln County it included the Schultz Building.” Johnson stated in a letter to council members. “This building is the oldest structure on the grounds and is definitely in the worst condition. This building is to be demolished to make way for the new Enrichment Center/Expo hall. The second floor of this building was used for decades to store ‘stuff’ that wasn’t being used. When we (the city) acquired the building which we have now owned for 13 months, no one expressed any interest in the items stored there with the exception of county Maintenance Director Pat Gierl, who asked if the county could continue to store some items upstairs until their new storage building was completed. No mention was made of what actually belonged to the county. I assumed what belonged to the county was merely five cases of barricade flashers.”

Severt said the fact that the person who took the items drove seven hours round-trip from Walworth County to get them, shows they have some value.

“I hope all the items are returned,” Severt said. “This is more than just a misunderstanding.”

The council members’ debate came down to two questions: Whose property was it?; and, How should it have been disposed of according to city code?

Alderman Rob Norton questioned the need for an investigation, on the basis of any wrongdoing having occurred to warrant such.

“The organizations who were storing stuff at the Schultz Building knew we were going to take control of the fairgrounds and tear down the Schultz Building. Everyone knew this, but the stuff sat there. How is this any different from buying a house and finding it full of old furniture?”

Alderman Ryan Schwartzman indicated having been present at Tuesday’s Lincoln County Public Property Committee meeting, during which he said county maintenance director Pat Gierl stated he had entered into a “gentleman’s agreement” with the city to store the items.

“This was public property and should not have been given away,” Schwartzman added.

Lincoln County Administrative Coordinator Randy Scholz characterized the issue as a misunderstanding. Scholz said he felt communication regarding the property, or lack thereof, led to the issue at hand.

“Pat and Dave (Johnson) had spoken,” he explained. “We did have an auctioneer come in last summer and he basically told us those items in the building were really of no value. Whatever was gained wouldn’t even pay for the auction fees and to just throw the junk out,” Scholz explains.

“Pat and Dave (Johnson) had spoken about the items in the building and Pat told him there was ‘stuff’ in the building we still wanted. The stuff would be useful in case any repairs were needed inside the courthouse, due to some of those materials in the courthouse being no longer available. The problem is we didn’t define exactly what ‘stuff’ we wanted. We didn’t give the city a list or anything. It was a case of miscommunication.

“I am under the impression the items are on their way back and when they arrive, will be stored at our storage facility,” Scholz added. “As long as we get back what we want, no harm no foul.”

Alderman Pete Lokemoen said there is no provision in the city code for a city employee to give away items. Even if the city was the owner of the items, there is no provision for a city employee to give them away to a private entity, he added.

“He shouldn’t have done it, period,” Lokemoen said.

Mayor Bill Bialecki noted that when the ordinance regarding disposition of property was drawn up, the city did not have a city administrator.

Alderman Tim Meehean made the motion to order an outside investigation. The city code needs to be interpreted as it relates to this case, he indicated.

“The only way to get answers to this is to have a formal investigation from an external individual,” he said. “Some people say Dave (Johnson) had the right to give away property under $1,000, some people say that’s not what the code said. The only way to get to the bottom of this is to have somebody impartial do an investigation and come back with a report.

“I just think this needs to be resolved and the only way to get it resolved is to have a formal investigation from somebody outside the city and make a report. We should have somebody like (attorney) Dean Dietrich do it. He can interpret the city code.”

Bialecki noted that the city does have money set aside for outside legal counsel that can be used in this case.

Mark J. Detjens, age 59, died on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, WI.  Mark was born on March 10, 1957 to the late David and Mary (Jones) Detjens in Merrill, WI.  He attended and graduated from Merrill High School, and went on to attend college for 1 year.

Mark had a passion for cooking for friends and family, along with cooking for folks in restaurants.  He loved making people smile and laugh.  Mark had a huge heart and was a gentle soul.  He was always willing to help others and was happy to do so.  Mark was a member of the Merrill Jaycee’s and the Westside Business Association.  He also served 1 term as a  Lincoln county board member.

Mark is survived by his brothers:  William, Daniel (Veronica) and Claude (Lynette) Detjens, sister:  Kate (Scott Schiffer) Detjens, 8 nieces & nephews and 11 great nieces & nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents:  David and Mary (Jones) Detjens and his sister-in-law: Carol Detjens.

A Memorial Service will be held for Mark on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 10am at Waid Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 9am, and continue until the time of the service, also at the funeral home.  The Rev. Allen Worlin will officiate.  Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

In the wake of recent complaints of uncontrolled pets-and a recent Merrill Police response to a complaint of a dog chasing a mail carrier on East Street- City Administrator Dave Johnson issued a reminder to city residents on Thursday afternoon, regarding standing ordinance 6-86-Animals Restricted on Public Grounds and Cemeteries.

“There’s a steady flow of people allowing their dogs to run free in city parks and public property in violation of city ordinances,” Johnson stated.
“While our furry, four-legged friends love their freedom, it’s important to know our local leash laws and adhere to them. Not everyone you meet while walking your dog is physically or emotionally able to withstand a dog jumping on them, even a nice dog. People have the right to walk in a public park without being confronted by loose dogs. In contrast, dog owners do not have the right to let their dogs run loose in the park. Merrill’s City Ordinance pertaining to the requirement to leash dogs reads in part:”

“No dog or cat shall be permitted in any public playground, school grounds, or swimming area within the city unless such dog or cat is kept on a leash or is entered in a contest or obedience class approved by the common council.”

“Dogs or cats in public parks shall be on leashes at all times and the owner shall be responsible for feces removal.”

“Remember that this means all parks, including the River Bend Trail and Prairie Trails Park,” he added.
The only exception is the dog park at the MARC, which was designed as an area for dogs to run free. Be a responsible dog owner and keep your dog leashed
in parks and on public property, and please clean up after your dog.

Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

This summer has been that of a busy time for the Merrill Housing Authority.
Thursday afternoon, Merrill Housing Authority director Paul Russell announced yet another endeavor by the organization, in settling into their new home at the former First Weber Realty building at 101 E. First St.
The statewide real estate group vacated their former location effective May 1.
As Russell explains, not long after First Weber relocated to their present location at 100 S. Mill Street, the location of the vacant building caught his attention.
“I happened to be driving by the building one day early this summer and I saw the ‘For Sale or Lease’ sign,” he explains.
“The building caught my interest and I decided to look into it as a possible centralized office for the Housing Authority. With all the plans we have in the works for expansion, we were interested in the idea of additional office space.”
“First and foremost, the location was ideal for us as it is right between our two largest facilities in Park Place and Jenny Towers.”
Russell soon made contact with property owner Gary Hartwig and by the first week of July, an agreement had been reached to utilize the location as a centralized office and headquarters for the newly renamed ‘Merrill Area Housing Authority.’
“In June, the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to change our title from ‘Merrill Housing Authority’ to ‘Merrill Area Housing Authority’ Russell explains.
“Our tenant base spans the entire county and our region of the state. We have set our residency preferences to give Merrill residents priority, followed by other Lincoln County residents within a 52-mile radius of Merrill. Once we have served our local residents, we will focus on other state residents who have expressed an interest with us.”
Relocation began last week and Russell hopes for the transition to be complete as of August 19th.
“This transition will better serve our organization in two ways,” Russell adds.
“Our staff has expanded recently to eight members, and until now those staff members were crammed into two offices at Park Place. This expansion will not only allow us to offer more comfortable work space for our staff, but we will now be able to better accommodate the large meetings which lie ahead, for the planning and construction of our planned expansion.”
“We are very excited to say the least” Russell adds with a chuckle.

The organization’s property coordinator and maintenance staff will remain on-site at Park Place, according to Russell.

The new 2,550 square foot central headquarters of the Merrill Area Housing Authority includes four spacious office areas as well as meeting space overlooking the Prairie River.
Russell encourages community members to visit the all new interactive Housing Authority website at http://www.MerrillHA.com
“I would like to thank Invizon Web Design for their assistance in developing our new website,” Russell adds.
“They are a new business here in town and they have just been fantastic in helping us.”

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After a rainy start to the day, Merrill’s 2016 Crazy Daze brought a host of activities to the town. The Merrill Lions Club grilled up their traditional chicken barbecue at Kitchenette Park and held the duck drop in Stange’s Park in the afternoon.

Downtown, Dorinda’s Dance Studio entertained at center stage, which also hosted a hula hoop contest and a couple of eating challenges. Bands performed at OTTS Garage and food and merchandise vendors set up on East Main Street.

Junior Class

Junior Dairy
Jr. Grand Champion-Holstein, Connor Klug; Jr. Reserve Champion-Holstein, Brandon B Skomars; Sr. Grand Champion-Holstein, Zachariah T Krueger; Sr. Reserve Champion-Holstein, Alissa G Sosnovske; Grand Champion-Brown Swiss, Kody Higgins; Reserve Champion-Brown Swiss, Carla Higgins; Grand Champion-Jersey, Colton Williams; Reserve Champion-Jersey, Colton Williams; Grand Champion-Other Breeds, Tanner Higgins; Reserve Champion-Other Breeds, David Davis; Bred & Owned Champion, Alissa G Sosnovske; Bred & Owned Reserve Champion, Benjamin L Sosnovske; Beginner Showmanship, Kyle M Duley, Connor Klug; Intermediate Showmanship, Abbigail L Krueger, Mariah M Lemmer; Senior Showmanship, Zachariah T Krueger, Tanner Pettit; Herd, Alissa G Sosnovske; Top Club Herd, Bees Merrill Busy; Dam & Daughter, Abbigail L Krueger; Over the Hill Showmanship, Katlyn Williams, Shelby Fehlberg; Adventures in Dairyland, Merin L Yates, Katelyn E Klimek.

Junior Beef
Grand Champion Beef, Brenna M Allen; Reserve Champion Beef, Ryder Depies; Best Rate of Gain, Brenna M Allen; Best of Show-Breeding Stock, Austin Depies; Reserve Champ – Breeding Stock, Shyana Zettler-finck; Beginner Showmanship, Madi Skic; Intermediate Showmanship, Brenna M Allen; Senior Showmanship, Eve M Gruetzmacher.

Junior Swine
Grand Champion Swine, Nova Miller; Reserve Champion Swine, Kendra K Petrowski; Beginner Showmanship, Allison Hunter; Intermediate Showmanship, Sady K Plisch; Senior Showmanship, Morgan Pettit.

Junior Sheep
Grand Champion Sheep, Bailee Hoban; Reserve Champion Sheep, Spencr Woellner; Begninner Showmanship, Bailee Hoban; Intermediate Showmanship, Cody Depies; Senior Showmanship, John M Koehler; Grand Champion Breeding Stock, Austin Depies; Reserve Champ Breeding Stock, Angelica F Venske; Best Rate of Gain, Jayden R Neiter.

Junior Goats
Best of Show – Goats, Zachary T Klimek; Honorable Mention – Goats, Katelyn E Klimek.

Junior Horses & Ponies
Grand Champion-Halter, Kersten Zehner; Reserve Champion-Halter, Sheldon Dennis; Grand Champion Showmanship, Kersten Zehner; Reserve Champion-Showmanship, Elizabeth G Morgan; Grand Champion-Eng. Pleasure, Kersten Zehner; Reserve Champ.-Eng. Pleasure, Alyssa Zehner; Grand Champ.-Eng. Equitation, Kersten Zehner; Reserve Champ.-Eng. Equitation, Alyssa Zehner; Grand Champ.-Walk/Trot, Blake L Wood; Grand Champ.-Western Pleasure, Kersten Zehner; Reserve Champ-Western Pleasure, Alyssa Zehner; Grand Champ-Western Horseman., Alyssa Zehner; Res. Champ.-Western Horseman., Sheldon Dennis; Gr Champ-High Pt Pleasure-G3-5, Alyssa Zehner; Gr Champ-High Pt Pleasure-G9+, Kersten Zehner; Res Cham-High Pt Pleasure-G3-5, Blake L Wood; Res Cham-High Pt Pleaure-G9+, Sheldon Dennis; Grand Champ.-Trail Class, Alyssa Zehner; Reserve Champ.-Trail Class, Sheldon Dennis; Grand Champion-Plug Race, Madison Schulz; Reserve Champ.- Plug Race, Madison Schulz; Grand Champ.-Speed-N-Action, Madison Schulz; Res. Champ.-Speed-N-Action, Sheldon Dennis; Grand Champ.-Flag Race, Madison Schulz; Reserve Champ.-Flag Race, Sheldon Dennis; Grand Champion-LT Special, Madison Schulz; Reserve Champ.-LT Special, Madison Schulz; Grand Champion-Barrels, Madison Schulz; Reserve Champion-Barrels, Madison Schulz; Grand Champ-Jumping Figure 8, Madison Schulz; Res Champ.-Jumping Figure 8, Kersten Zehner; Grand Champ-Australian Pursuit, Blake L Wood; Res Champ-Australian Pursuit, Sheldon Dennis; Grand Champion-Pole Bending, Madison Schulz; Res. Champ.-Pole Bending, Madison Schulz.

Junior Poultry
Best of Class – American, Madison Schulz; Best of Class – Asiatic, Madison Schulz; Best of Class – English, Dillon C Gnewuch; Best of Class – Mediterranean, Madison Schulz; Best of Class – Continental, Bryce Bloch; Best of Class – Other Standard, Carter L Gnewuch; Best of Class – Market Chicken, Elliott S Hanson; Best of Class-Pigeons & Doves, Madison Schulz; Best Of Class-Single Comb Bantam, Dillon C Gnewuch; Best Of Class-Rose Comb Bantam, Zach M Wrzesinski; Best Of Class-Bantam-Other Comb, Zach M Wrzesinski; Best Of Class-Feather Leg Bantam, Ian Schuetze; Reserve Champion Duck, Kekoa Schuetze; Grand Champion Goose, Madison Schulz; Reserve Champion Goose, Krisha G Smith; Best of Show – Standard, Madison Schulz; Reserve Award – Standard, Dillon C Gnewuch; Best of Show – Bantam, Madison Schulz; Reserve Award – Bantam, Dillon C Gnewuch; Best of Show – White Eggs, Dillon C Gnewuch; Best of Show – Brown Eggs, Austin Depies; Best of Show – Colored Eggs, Carter L Gnewuch; Grand Champion Eggs, Carter L Gnewuch; Beginner Showmanship, Bryce Bloch; Intermediate Showmanship, Carter L Gnewuch; Senior Showmanship, Madison Schulz.

Junior Rabbits
Best of Breed – Dutch, Bailee Hoban; Best of Breed – Holland Lop, Blake L Wood; Best of Breed – Mini Lop, Angelica F Venske; Best of Breed – Rex, Izzy Wilke; Best of Breed – Mini Rex, Josie Schroepfer; Grand Champion, Bailee Hoban; Reserve Champion, Carter L Gnewuch; Beginner Showmanship, Blake L Wood; Intermediate Showmanship, Sady K Plisch; Senior Showmanship, Angelica F Venske; Best of Show – Pet Rabbit, Blake L Wood.

Junior Dog Obedience
Obedience Pre-Novice A, Gr 3-7, Merin L Yates; Obedience Pre-Novice A, Gr 8+, Becca Dorn; Obedience Pre-Novice B, Gr 3-7, Annie Jirovec; Obedience Pre-Novice B, Gr 8+, Jaye Richards; Obedience Novice, Lee Erath; Obedience Graduate Novice, Turner Erath; Obedience High Score Overall, Jubilee Morgan; Beginner Showmanship, Violet Jarvais; Intermediate Showmanship, Jaye Richards; Senior Showmanship, Jubilee Morgan; Jr. Best Handler, Jubilee Morgan; Agility Beginner A, Magdalene Lashua; Agility Beginner B, Annie Jirovec; Agility Advanced, Jubilee Morgan; Graduate Agility, Turner Erath; Top Rally Obedience, Jubilee Morgan.

Junior Animal & Vet Science
Small Pets – Best of Show, Carter L Gnewuch; Small Pets – Honorable Mention, Carter L Gnewuch; Best of Show-Animal & Vet Sci., Abby Jaecks; Hon. Mention-Animal & Vet Sci., Kekoa Schuetze; State Fair Eligible, Abby Jaecks.

Junior Cats
Best of Show – Cats, Morgan N Wardall; Honorable Mention – Cats, Jenna Jarvais.

Junior Plant & Soil Science
Best of Show-Plant/Soil Sci., Benjamin L Sosnovske; Hon Mention-Plant/Soil Sci., Benjamin L Sosnovske; Best of Show – Vegetables, Hunter A Stadler; Honorable Mention – Vegetables, Grace Koehler.

Junior Flowers & Houseplants
Best of Show – Face to Face, Blake L Wood; Best of Show – Horticulture, Morgan N Wardall; Honorable Mention-Horticulture, Grace Koehler; Best of Show – Flowers, Lisa M Krueger; Honorable Mention – Flowers, Abbigail L Krueger; Best of Show – Arrangements, Grace Koehler; Hon. Mention – Arrangements, Grace Koehler; Best of Show – Judge’s Choice, Grace Koehler.

Junior Natural Sciences
Best of Show, Alissa G Sosnovske; Hon. Mention, Carter L Gnewuch.

Junior Cultural Arts
Best of Show – Face to Face, Jubilee Morgan; Hon. Mention – Face to Face, Aubrey Schoeppler; Best of Show – Grades 3-5, Katelyn Schult, Bryce Bloch; Honorable Mention – Grades 3-5, Kaitlyn J Annis, Bryce Bloch, Alexis A Ollhoff; Best of Show – Grades 6-8, Benjamin R Freyer, Grace Koehler; Honorable Mention – Grades 6-8, Kekoa Schuetze, Lee Erath, Turner Erath; Best of Show – Grades 9+, Bailey B Iwen, Madison Schulz; Honorable Mention – Grades 9+, Randi P Gruetzmacher, Elizabeth G Morgan, Madison Schulz; Best of Show – Theatre Arts, Turner Erath; State Fair Eligible, Jubilee Morgan.

Junior Photography
Best of Show – Photography, Morgan N Wardall, Monica Gruetzmacher, Kekoa Schuetze; Hon. Mention – Photography, Katelyn Schult, Magdalene Lashua, Monica Gruetzmacher; State Photo Display Selection, Morgan N Wardall, Monica Gruetzmacher, Kekoa Schuetze.

Junior Woodworking
Best of Show – Woodworking, Kayli K Petrowski, Dillon C Gnewuch; Hon. Mention – Woodworking, Clayton P Gruetzmacher, Hunter A Stadler; State Fair Eligible, Matthew Z Ryan, Mariah Jacoby.

Junior Electricity
Best of Show – Electricity, Matthew R Annis.

Junior Mechanical Projects
Best of Show – Mechanical, Eli A Duerkop; Hon. Mention – Mechanical, Hunter Borchardt.

Junior Foods & Nutrition
Best of Show – Decorated Items, Grace Koehler; Hon. Mention – Decorated Items, Ava E Gruetzmacher; Best of Show – Candy, Ian Schuetze; Hon. Mention – Candy, Natalie J Reiter; Best of Show – Foods 1, Grace Koehler; Best of Show – Foods 2, Grace Koehler; Best of Show – Foods 3, Elizabeth G Morgan; Best of Show – Foods 4, Randi P Gruetzmacher; Honorable Mention – Foods 4, Dillon C Gnewuch; Best of Show-Food Preservation, Midori L Paulus; Hon. Mention-Food Preservation, Ava E Gruetzmacher.

Junior Clothing
Best of Show – Clothing 1, Dafney M Yates; Honorable Mention – Clothing 1, Marie E Herdt; Best of Show – Clothing 2, Josie Schroepfer; Honorable Mention – Clothing 2, Ian Schuetze; Best of Show – Clothing 3, Randi P Gruetzmacher; Honorable Mention – Clothing 3, Keia J Woller; Best of Show-Clothing Rev 14+, Randi P Gruetzmacher; Best of Show-Clothing Rev <13, Dafney M Yates; State Fair Eligible, Randi P Gruetzmacher, Anne M Herdt, Marie E Herdt.

Junior Knitting & Crocheting
Best of Show – Knitting, Lily L Cordova; State Fair Eligible, Lily L Cordova.

Junior Home Furnishings
Best of Show-Home Env. 1, Russell B Gruetzmacher; Hon. Mention-Home Env. 1, Emily Kevilus; Best of Show-Home Env. 2,3,4, Madison Schulz; Hon. Mention-Home Env. 2,3,4, Zachariah T Krueger.

Junior Communications
Best of Show- Illustrated Talk, Ian Schuetze; Best of Show – Speaking, Kekoa Schuetze; Best of Show – Communications, Aubrey Schoeppler; Hon. Mention – Communications, Margrit K Breitenmoser; State Fair Eligible, Aubrey Schoeppler.

Jr Booths, Banners, Scrapbooks
Best of Show – Booths, Hi–Lo’s 4-h Club; Honorable Mention – Booths, Hamburg Hawks; Best of Show – Banners, Bees Merrill Busy.

Jr. Health & Citizenship
Best of Show, Kekoa Schuetze.

Open Class

Open Goats
Best of Show, Trenton C Klimek.

Open Poultry
Best of Class – American, Ava Salter; Best of Class – Asiatic, Cindy Reinhardt; Best of Class – English, Danielle Schulz; Best of Class – Mediterranean, Jane Schulz; Best of Class – Continental, Ava Salter; Best of Class – Other Standard, Diana Rice; Best of Class-SingleCombBantam, Nancy Podgorski; Best Of Class-FeatherLeg Bantam, Danielle Schulz; Best of Class – Game Bantam, Rachel L Podgorski; Grand Champion Duck, Jessica L Woller; Reserve Champion Duck, Diana Rice; Grand Champion Goose, Danielle Schulz; Reserve Champion Goose, Jessica L Woller; Best of Class – Pigeon, Diana Rice; Best of Show, Diana Rice; Reserve Best of Show, Jane Schulz; Best of Class-R.C. Bantam C.L., Mary E Ineichen; Best of Class-Other Bantam CL, Ava Salter; Best of Class-FeatherLegBantam, Danielle Schulz; Best of Show – Bantam, Danielle Schulz; Reserve Best of Show – Bantam, Mary E Ineichen; Best of Show – White Eggs, Nancy Podgorski; Best of Show – Brown Eggs, Tavin Heidemann; Best of Show – Colored Eggs, Mark Folta; Grand Champion Eggs, Mark Folta.

Open Rabbits
Best of Breed – Angora, Diana Rice; Best of Breed – Californian, Nancy Podgorski; Best of Breed – Dutch, Heidi Sturzenegger; Best of Breed – Flemish Giant, Brenda M Krueger; Best of Breed – Jersey Wooley, Nancy Podgorski; Best of Breed – Holland Lop, Mariah Lansdorf; Best of Breed – Rex, Nancy Podgorski; Best of Breed – Mini Rex, Lynette M Lassa; Best of Breed – Satin, Nancy Podgorski; Best of Breed – Other Purebred, Mary E Ineichen; Best of Breed – Meat Pen, Nancy Podgorski; Grand Champion, Nancy Podgorski; Reserve Champion, Mary E Ineichen.

Open Exotic Animals
Best of Show – Exotic, Lynette M Lassa.

Open Plant & Soil Science
Best of Show – Field Crops, Trenton C Klimek; Honorable Mention -Field Crops, Desmond Schmidt; Best of Show – Vegetables, Ronald W Behm; Honorable Mention – Vegetables, Ronald W Behm.

Open Flowers & Houseplants
Best of Show, Arlene Schield; Honorable Mention, Esther E Dittmar.

Open Cultural Arts
Best of Show – Adult Class, Helen S Hanson; Honorable Mention -Adult Class, Helen Wallace; Best of Show -Elementary Class, Ian G Morgan; Hon. Mention -Elementary Class, Ian G Morgan; Best of Show – Young Age Class, Mariah Lansdorf; Hon. Mention – Young Age Class, Benjamin J Hanson; Best of Show – Sr. Class, Rita J Koepke; Hon. Mention – Sr. Class, Helen M Schlinkert.

Open Antiques
Best of Show, Tonya Baumann; Best of Show, Carol Schmidt; Best of Show, Arlene Schield; Best of Show, Patricia J Roets; Best of Show, Carol Schmidt; Best of Show, Christopher Salter; Best of Show, Margaret Sense; Best of Show, Margaret Sense.

Open Photography
Best of Show – Color, Rosanne M Schleif; Best of Show – Black & White, Janet M Crowell; Honorable Mention – Color, Rose Skic; Hon. Mention – Black & White, Rosanne M Schleif; Best of Show – Digital Photos, Cameo Roets; Hon. Mention – Digital Photos, Janet M Crowell.

Open Foods & Nutrition
Best of Show – Foods, Betty Voelz; Honorable Mention – Foods, Brenda M Krueger; Best of Show-Food Preservation, Darlene Bade; Hon. Mention-Food Preservation, Helen M Schlinkert.

Open Clothing
Best of Show Clothing, Darlene Bade; Honorable Mention – Clothing, Maxine Schuetze.

Open Knitting & Crocheting
Best of Show – Knitting, Darlene Bade; Honorable Mention – Knitting, Phyllis Bauman; Best of Show – Crocheting, Maxine Schuetze; Honorable Mention – Crocheting, Jessica R Heidemann; Best of Show – Sr. Citizens, Phyllis Bauman; Hon. Mention – Sr. Citizens, Cheryl Kulawinski.

Open Home Furnishings
Best of Show-Home Furnishings, Darlene Bade; Hon. Mention-Home Furnishings, Holly J Severt; Best of Show – Sr. Division, Kay E Maluegge; Hon. Mention – Sr. Citizens, Marla A Konkol; Best of Show – Quilting, Darlene Bade; Hon. Mention – Quilting, Marla A Konkol.

During the Lincoln County Fair on July 21st, The Lincoln County Beef Producers Club awarded Austin Depies-son of Katrina and Geoff Depies of Merrill and member of Corning All-Stars 4H Club- with the Grand Champion Beef Breeding Stock plaque.
According to club president Tony Lassa, the Beef Club also sponsors an annual agriculture related scholarship to an MHS senior and this year’s recipient was Ethan Hommerding (not pictured).
Hommerding will be pursuing his dream of becoming a Diesel Technician this fall at NTC.
The scholarship was founded in 2006 and is awarded in memory for the late Ernie and Elaine Suchon

DeAnne Mason, 26 of Tomahawk– was charged August 8 with Misdemeanor charges of Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Damage to Property, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of an Illegally obtained Prescription.
According to court records, Mason was involved in an incident in the City of Tomahawk in the early morning hours of August 6. During the incident, Mason reportedly arrived at a residence and struck a window with her hand, causing the window to shatter and injury to the striking hand. It was later discovered the property owner did not wish to have Mason at the residence and refused to allow her inside. During a search of Mason’s person, a pill bottle containing prescription medicaton commonly used to treat anxiety/panic disorders and two syringes were discovered.
Mason reportedly advised the investigating officer one of the syringes had been used earlier that evening to inject Methamphetamine but also advised neither syringe belonged to her.

Lukas Kleiber, 24 of Merrill-was charged August 10 with Felony-Substantial Battery w/Intent to Cause Bodily Harm.
According to court records, Kleiber was involved in an incident in the City of Merrill on the evening of August 9. During that incident, Kleiber reportedly engaged in a physical altercation with another party in the household, during which he struck the party and caused a facial laceration requiring medical treatment.

By Nick Beversdorf
Reporter

This past Friday young golfers from around central Wisconsin came to the Merrill Golf Course to participate in the WVGA Junior Tournament of Champions. Children and teens up to 17 years old participated in either nine- or 18-hole games.

For the 12-year-old and under nine-hole division, everyone played a tight game, only a stroke away from the next person. Tyler Skogstad placed first with 44, Matthew Haggart placed second with 45 and Jack Weisenberger placed third with 46.

For the 14-year-old and under 18-hole division, Russ Dettmering placed first with 72. Christian Johnson came in second with 94 and Elijah Bartel rounded out third place with 105. In the girls 15- to 17-year-old 18-hole division, Madison Bushman placed first with 97.

In the boys 15- to 17-year-old 18-hole division, Robert Johannes placed first with 83, Hunter Wallace placed second with 84 and Brady Koehler placed third with 88.

The Wisconsin Valley Golf Association (WVGA) is a group of golfers in central Wisconsin that play several competitive tournaments throughout the golf season on courses located in the Wisconsin river valley.

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The boys 15-17 year-old, 18-hole division, from left to right: Robert Johannes (1st), Hunter Wallace (2nd), Brady Koehler (3rd).

A 29-year-old Tomahawk man was taken into custody last Monday morning on a traffic charge. A deputy stopped the man on North Fourth Street at County Rd. CC after he observed him almost strike a sign and cross the center line. The driver was placed through field sobriety tests and taken into custody for a first offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

A Tomahawk woman suffered minor injuries after a two vehicle crash Monday morning in the Town of Pine River. Just before 7:30 a.m., cell callers reported the crash at State Rd. 64 and County Rd. W. A vehicle being driven by a 44-year-old Merrill woman pulled out from the stop sign and was struck by a vehicle being driven by the 60-year-old Tomahawk woman. Officers from the Merrill Police Department along with firefighters from the Pine River Fire Department assisted at the scene which took about an hour to clear and reopen to traffic.

A 34-year-old Tomahawk man was arrested Monday afternoon on a warrant charge. A deputy was investigating a report of a possible theft in the Town of Tomahawk. When he went to the home of the suspect he learned he was wanted by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for violating the terms of his probation. The man was taken into custody and brought to the Lincoln County Jail and held.

A 72-year-old Merrill woman was injured after a two vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon in the Town of Scott. At 2:42 p.m., the crash was reported at County Rd. FF and Fairview Road. The 72-year-old woman was traveling on Fairview Road when a vehicle being driven by a 17-year-old Merrill man on CTH FF failed to stop at a stop sign and struck her vehicle. The 72-year-old driver was initially transferred to Good Samaritan hospital and later to Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield.

The number of car deer crashes had dropped down to three from the previous week’s total of four.

August 8
7:04 p.m.- An officer responded to an underage drinking violation complaint. Contact was made with the suspects, of which only one was underage and consuming alcohol. That male party was cited for underage drinking.

August 9
9:16 p.m.- Officers responded to a domestic complaint. The caller stated two male individuals inside her apartment were fighting with each other. Officers arrived on scene and located one male party with a laceration to his face and the other had fled from the scene. The male with the injury was arrested on an active warrant. The other male suspect turned himself in and was arrested for substantial battery and for an active warrant. After speaking with the male suspect, information was gained that the female caller was also physically involved in the incident. Officers returned to the residence and spoke with the female who admitted to biting one of the male individuals who was involved. The female was arrested for battery.

August 10
4:39 p.m.- Contact was made with a female subject at a residence in regards to an investigation officers were conducting in an attempt to locate a male subject with active warrants. The female subject had been advised days before hand by officers that the male subject had active warrants for his arrest and any aid that she provided to him would result in her being charged. The female was found to have provided the male subject a ride to a different city after being advised of his wanted status. Charges will be referred to the district attorney.
11:40 a.m.- Officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of East First Street to take a female subject into custody for a probation hold placed by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. The female subject was taken into custody and taken to the jail.
2:29 p.m.- An officer took a report of a theft of equipment from a construction site. The investigation is ongoing.
2:49 p.m.- Officers took a report of damage to a vehicle in the 700 block of East Second Street. It appears that the damage may have been intentional and the investigation is ongoing.

August 11
3:51 p.m.- Officers were dispatched to the 1000 Block of East First Street to take a male subject into custody on a probation warrant. The male subject was taken into custody and transported to the jail.
11:41 p.m.- An officer was dispatched to a residence after the male caller indicated that he was locked out of the residence by the other occupants. It was found that the male caller had been arguing with the other occupants and they did not want him staying there. Officers were eventually able to assist the male subject in locating accommodations for a place to stay.

August 12
5 p.m.- An officer responded to a theft complaint. The caller had his straight hitch receiver and ball hitch stolen off of his truck overnight. Investigation is ongoing.

August 13
4:42 a.m.- Officers responded to a criminal damage to property complaint. The caller had a piece of concrete thrown through his kitchen window. Investigation is ongoing.

August 14
7:09 p.m.- An officer responded to a noise complaint. The caller stated their neighbor has been playing music loudly for the past couple hours. Contact was made with the neighbor who turned down the music.

He was one of the Greatest Generation. Eugene F Simon, age 93, peacefully passed away at his home on Sunday, August 14, 2016 under the care of Ministry Home Hospice. He was born in a log cabin in Bavaria WI on April 5th 1923 to John and Eva Simon, who were first generation American children born of pioneers, Mathias and Leopoldina Kluball and Stephan and Margaret Simon, who homesteaded Wisconsin in the 1880’s.

Eugene worked on the family farm and logged hardwood timber for many winters with his father before enlisting in the Marines in 1944, to prepare for a possible invasion of Japan that never came about when the nuclear age brought the War to an end. He met his bride in 1949 on a chance visit to deliver an item for a friend to Deerbrook Wisconsin and married Geraldine F Petrzelka, on September 4, 1949 at St Paul’s Lutheran in Deerbrook. He and Gerry had three children, Candace Simon Arnold of Madison WI, Eugene Richard (Tammy) Simon and Jeffrey (Kay) Simon of Merrill, who all survive. On return from the Service, he took ownership of a farm milk route and operated the venture with the help of his cousin and life long friend, Edward Simon, who died in 2015.Gene worked as a mechanic for Ronis Chevrolet in Gleason until moving his family to Merrill in 1964, where he became the service manager at Gruett Appliance until retirement. He was known by customers, far and wide, and seldom could go to dinner or out shopping without someone stopping to greet or talk with him. His daughter in law, Tammy, often bet him that he would know, or greet, at least one person, any place, any time, wherever the family gathered, a bet that almost never failed. He lost the love of his life in 1994, following heart surgery, and he never remarried, as he often said he could never replace the woman who was so good to him for so many years. He continued to maintain a house and several gardens until recently and often loved to share his cooking secrets with the family. He was a member of St John Lutheran Church in Merrill and served on a number of committees and boards since 1964. He was often seen tending to the flowers and trees at the church and supplied vegetables from his many gardens to support the church and school. He was active in Merrill Lions and was the Chair of the Merrill Enrichment Center Board, until recent weeks when his health began to slow him. He also served several terms as a Lincoln County board supervisor. He made a return trip to Washington DC on a Never Forgotten Honor Flight with his son Gene in September 2015 and paid one last visit to the Madison Farmer’s Market (one of his favorite trips) in November, 2015, with grand daughter Jodie (Chad Lasco) and great grandson, Chase.  Eugene loved the Yankee’s and Cubs and played baseball in Langlade County and slow pitch in Lincoln County for many years, in addition to coaching many years in Legion Baseball in Merrill and Little League Baseball in Langlade County. Eugene is further survived by his older sister, Jeanette Fondow (Richard – deceased) of Antigo, Wisconsin, and sister, Darlene (Don) Granger, of New Auburn, Long Lake, Wisconsin, grandsons, John Stephen Simon of Columbus WI and Jeffrey Scott Simon (Kersten) of Cottage Grove WI. Eugene was blessed with five very talented grand daughters, Tara of Seattle WA, Trisha of Los Angeles CA, Robyn of Milwaukee WI, Jodie Leigh Lasco, Lodi WI and Lynn Simon of Merrill. He was an avid Badger fan, and he and Gerry spent countless days in Waunakee and Madison with the grandchildren and their Badger athlete friends, who often called him Grandpa Simon. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Adeline and brother John.

Funeral Services for Eugene will be held on Friday, August 19, 2016 at 11am at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Merrill.  Rev. David Szeto will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2016 from 4pm-8pm at Waid Funeral Home, and again on Friday, August 19, 2016 from 10am until the time of the service, at the church.  Burial will take place at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.  Military honors will be performed at the cemetery by the Merrill VFW Post #1638. The family wishes to extend their thanks and appreciation to Ministry Home Hospice for their caring support and comfort that they gave to Eugene. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, family asks that you direct memorials to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Merrill Lion’s Club or The Never Forgotten Honor Flight.

OTTS Garage will be welcoming 22 musicians and staff members this week from The Extreme Tour. The purpose of The Extreme Tour is to use extreme sports and music events to reach at-risk and counter culture youth with services and resources that would assist them in making positive, as well as healthy decisions for a successful life.

The Extreme Tour is, in terms of the number of communities visited in a year, the largest and longest running Extreme Sports & Music tour in the world. They currently visit over 100 communities each year in the United States, and this number is set to go up dramatically as the tour reaches out internationally starting this year.

Extreme Tour musicians and staff will be interacting with students during the day Friday, Aug. 19 to tell them about the show to take place that evening from 5-8 p.m. Six bands, including We Are One, Grace Defined, DJ Grandmill, ish-iLLa, No Lost Cause, and 2nd Story Anthem, will converge on Main Street in front of OTTS Garage, next to Cosmo Theater, and perform for three hours while also holding a skateboarding competition. Music styles will range from spoken word to R&B to rock. The event is free for all ages and includes free food and opportunities to win prizes.

Individuals interested in participating in skateboarding and BMX biking will need to have a liability release form completed by a parent/guardian. These forms can be obtained from members of the extreme tour on Friday afternoon, online at Facebook.com/OttsGarage, and at the event.

Ahoy! Avast! Ye ship be sailin.’ On Thursday night, Aug. 25, the Merrill City Band will be sponsoring a night of fun and merriment at Humphrey’s Pub to raise bounty for the band and the development of Normal Park. The pub will donate 10% of sales and 100% of tips to the cause from 6-8:00 p.m. The fun begins earlier however, so ye can come early and stay late. Starting at 5 p.m., Rich’s Amazin’ Blazin’ BBQ will be set up outside fer ye to feast upon and will also be donating 10% of sales.

Raffles galore fer over $3,000 worth of booty, including the famous 50/50 raffle, cold hard cash prize of $200, $400 rocker/recliner, 2017 Aquatic Center Pass, Merrill business gift certificates, dog sled rides in the winter, Merrill restaurant package, Riverside Athletic Club month memberships, Wausau Community Theater and Merrill Concert Association tickets, elk mount, picture clock, Nintendo 64 console and game, sterling silver necklace, Packer cooler with all the fixin’s, Packer chairs and other Packer items, candy dispenser (and candy!), car packages (oil change, car washes, detailing certificate), basket of chocolate, multiple baskets of grog and spirits, and more. It be worth a little a yer bounty!
If enough loot be raised in the donation bucket, LeRoy the Barber will remove the beard of Mad Jack Cash, AKA, Heath Seefeld at 7:45 p.m. Aaaaarrrrr, the city band has been wantin’ to take that thing off all summer, so please help!

Yer staff fer the evening be: peg-legged chairperson Cap’n Darby Deadbones (Linda Becker); cannon master, Dastardly Bootz (Tim Zimmerman) and his assistant Eye-Gougin’ Radley Scarr (Greg Eichelkraut); MC without a hammer Cat Whisker the Mellon Collie (Mike Chula); bearded ticket scalper Mad Jack Cash (Heath Seefeld); bartendin’ Pirate Rachel the Rum-Swiller (Meredith Prebeg), Cap’n Avalon Fancypants (Helen Ourada), and Long John Redbeard (Jon Hughes); half there 50/50 rafflin’ Jimmy Blunderbuss (Jim Finucan); ticket sellin’ Jake YerBooty Jones (Jeff Schram) and Sharkbite (Hershel Webb); and wrist bandin’ Delilah the Dark Haired Parrot Charmer (Brenda Zimmerman).

Tis gonna be a great night of piratin’. Pirate attire is encouraged, but not required, though there be some bounty fer the best dressed pirate…and the best “Aaaaarrrrrgggghhhh.” A dollar cover charge gets ye the chance to fire the pirate cannon outside. Boom! Every 15 minutes another number will be drawn to shake up the neighborhood. Boom!! And did we mention….BOOM!!!

If ye be comin’ fer just the grub or to see (and hear!) the cannon being fired, bring the kids. Leave the little pirates at home though, if ye be plannin’ some fun in the pub.

Who knew raising money could be so much fun! Please join us! Aaaaaarrrrrrr…..

The Merrill Lions hosted the Fourth Annual Rubber Duck Race on Crazy Daze. Almost 2,000 rubber ducks made their way down the beautiful Prairie River at Stange’s Park.

The winners were as follows: first place, Randy Close who won $300, second place for $150 went to Brian Marnholtz and in third place was Becky Hinner for $75. Nine ducks were drawn at random for $25 each: Ali Bohman, Jenny Rice, Sandy King, Scott Waid, Jan Tesch, Al Oscarson, Beth Kautz (twice) and Ron Piffl. The last place duck also was a winner and belonged to Lorena Sosnovske, who won $25.

The Merrill Lions raise money to give back to the Merrill Community for such worthy causes as MHS scholarships, DARE, Park City Gardens, Kids Backpacks, Merrill Life Line and other important local needs. The Merrill Lions thank all the duck raffle ticket purchasers for their support.

The following cases were heard in Municipal Court on Aug. 8, 2016. All have pleaded guilty or no contest.

DC w/motor vehicle
Robert R. Busterud, Merrill, $136.60; Gregory L. Loos, Merrill, $136.60; Larry L. Wolfe, Merrill, $136.60.

Failure to license dog
Daniel T. Gipp, Merrill, $105.10, no rabies vaccine, $105.10.

Disorderly conduct
Michael L. Hanson, Merrill, $199.60.

Automobile following too closely
Mason I Heldt, Merrill, $124.

Operate after suspension
Michael L. Hoffman, Merrill, $124; Danelle R. Wyms, Merrill, $124.

Fail to stop at stop sign
Sarah E. Konicek, Rhinelander, $98.80; Elizabeth R. Warlow, South Milwaukee, $98.80.

Operate MV w/out insurance
Amy N. Kuhn, Merrill, $124, operate after rev./susp. of registration, $98.80; James F. Tudor, Merrill, $124, fail to yield right of way from stop sign, $98.80.

Operate w/controlled substance
Brooke A. Kurszewski, Merrill, $782.70; Kyle J. Lemke, Merrill, $782.70.

Safe & sanitary maintenance of property
Mad Management LLC, Franklin, $199.60; Phillip M. Rajek, Merrill, $199.60.

Fail to yield at uncontrolled intersection
Nicole M. Philipp, Merrill, $98.80.

Theft of library materials
Jennifer L. Podeweltz, Merrill, $174.20; Savannah E. Weitzel, Merrill, $149.60.

Speeding
Christian J. Ruesch, Merrill, $98.80; Johnathan R. Timm, Mosinee, $98.80, operate after suspension, $124.

Retail theft
Ryan J. Wallman, Merrill, $262.60.

Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter

Following lengthy discussion last Wednesday, the Merrill Common Council ruled 7-1 to uphold a July decision to purchase the former Lincoln Community Bank and St. Vincent de Paul Building located at 401 W. Main St., as well as adjacent parking lots from RD Properties of Wisconsin, LLC, for a maximum of $140,000 (TID #8 – West Side).

The agenda item was brought to the council by 2nd District Alderman Pete Lokemoen.

During July’s meeting, initial plans called for the demolition and asbestos abatement of the blighted building prior to purchase, followed by redevelopment of the clean site.

Demolition and abatement will be performed by Dan Kolehouse of C&D Excavating, who is also the current owner of the property.

Prior to opening of discussion, Denis McCarthy chose to stand during Public Comment session and address the council on behalf of St. Vincent de Paul.

“I’m just curious about how a building I was told we couldn’t get a dollar for is now about to be purchased by the city for $140,000? If that’s the case, shouldn’t that money go to the core of Merrill? Thats what St. Vincent de Paul is!” he stated.

“The reason I am doing this is due to the information provided by Mr. McCarthy,” Lokemoen added in opening council discussion. “There is an apparent discrepancy between initial statements of lack of value in the building. I wondered and still do wonder what the redevelopment plan was for the building. I’m looking for explanations.”

City Administrator Dave Johnson stood by his statements made in July, when he advised the council that the building is beyond recuperation, leaving demolition as the only viable option.

“The building is beyond repair or remodel,” Johnson said at the July meeting. “As a matter of fact, St. Vincent left due to estimated costs of roof repairs being over $100,000. The building is not ADA compliant and any historical value to the building’s façade was destroyed when the white bubble wrap was installed. Our goal is to get rid of the blighted building and start over with redevelopment of either a commercial or residential property.”

City finance director Kathy Unertl said a current west side business owner is interested in opening a new business in the area but will not proceed until the 401 W. Main St. building is gone.

“The intent here is to get this building out of this business neighborhood and bring something new to the neighborhood,” Johnson added.

Mayor Bill Bialecki indicated once the building had been razed and the clean site is purchased by the city, the site would be available for possible lease by the Housing Authority.

“The front of the site would serve as a great staging area for contractors and equipment during the Park Place redevelopment and the rear parking would be convenient for Park Place residents,” he said.
1st District Alderman and Housing Authority Director Paul Russell agreed the agency is interested in a lease with the city and if the purchase was not made, the next option for resident parking would be three blocks away.

“The building is not worth a dollar,” Johnson reiterated Wednesday evening. “The building is not ADA compliant and the roof is in need of repair which St. Vincent could not afford and forced them to move to the Menard Building,”

“We decided the person who purchased the property could not make the building habitable, “ Lokemoen argued. “Whether or not it’s ADA compliant is the responsibility of that individual, not us.”

Russell repeated Lokoemen’s question regarding future plans of the property once purchased.
“What is to happen with this vacant lot if our Redevelopment Authority does not have a redevelopment plan in mind?”

Untertl stated the property would go out for Request for Proposal.

During continued discussion with McCarthy at the podium, 3rd District alderman Ryan Schwartzman asked McCarthy if St. Vincent de Paul had made the city any sort of offer on the property or if the city had made an official offer.

“No, there wasn’t,” McCarthy answered.

Lokemoen cast the sole vote in favor of rescinding the property purchase.

In other matters Wednesday, the council approved a recommendation by the Redevelopment Authority for the $3,000 purchase of property located at 911 E. Main Street, for a proposed Pocket Park from Merrill Federal Savings & Loan.

The council also unanimously approved an ordinance amendment for a 3% water rate increase for city residents, per recommendation by the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.

The Merrill Bluejays varsity football team will host their first home game of the season Aug. 26 on a brand new field at Jay Stadium.

“The first phase of the project, which includes the field, the bleacher enclosures and the south half of the plaza, and our main ticket booth entries, we anticipate to have done on Aug. 26 for our first game,” said Merrill Area Public Schools Maintenance Director Dale Bergman.

Some additional highlights of the revamped facility will be unveiled at a dedication event during Homecoming on Oct. 1. The permanent visitor bleachers also will be completed by that time.

“We have always rented bleachers for our visitor side in the past,” Bergman said.

The project is being entirely funded by donations, including a $2 million contribution from the Bierman Family Foundation. Costs for the entire stadium makeover are estimated at $3-3.2 million. With donations currently totaling about $2.4 million, the school district is only going to complete what they can afford at this time.

“We had to cut it off to where our fundraising level is at,” Bergman said. “We know what our mark is and what we want to get to, but we can only spend what we have in pocket.”

The project started with some of the most vital elements, including the playing field. Work on the facility will continue as money becomes available. Phase 2 will include a new restroom with a concession window, wrought iron fencing on the west side with accent columns and concrete on the north half of the plaza.

“As we continue fund raising, we will continue to improve our facility,” Bergman said. “I look at it as not just this one project, but an ongoing facility improvement plan.”

The new Sprint Turf synthetic playing surface is the same material used on professional football fields. The New Orleans Saints, Dallas Coybows and Minnesota Vikings stadiums all have the same product.

“We will have a pro caliber style field up here,” Bergman said.

After the old natural sod was removed, along with the piping from the old sprinkler system, new material was brought in to lay the base for the new surface. On top of the “carpet” is 170 tons of crumb rubber.

“That’s what provides the impact protection for the student athletes,” Bergman said. “The number one priority is student athlete safety.”

Aside from the new field, there will be a brand new ticket booth and formal entry into the plaza. The home bleachers will be enclosed underneath with a new concession stand built in and storage for equipment.

The project is not just about football, Bergman stressed. Significant improvements are also being made to the track and field elements of the stadium. A new scoreboard has been moved to the south end and is now capable of handling not only football, but track events as well.

The new field was also designed with soccer in mind, and the Bluejay soccer teams will be using the field this year.

“Our soccer games will be coming back from the MARC,” he said. “At this time at least the varsity games will be played at the high school.”

The rubber pellets on the surface of the playing field will melt snow faster than a natural surface, giving spring sports teams and physical education classes an earlier opportunity to get outside, Bergman noted.

And, he hopes to see marching band competitions thrive at Jay Stadium as well.

“I think it’s going to be a benefit all the way around, not just for football,” he said.

Bergman feels the new Jay Stadium will be a showpiece for the district that could help attract families to Merrill.

“It’s really one of those build it and they will come things,” Bergman said. “I believe that this will be a centerpiece in our community.”