Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr.
12-20-72
Five lucky shoppers had their names drawn from the Merrill Shopper and Foto News Christmas shopping spree box Monday. Mayor Ralph Voigt drew out the winners who each won a $50 gift certificate. Pictured during the drawing is Foto News staff Joyce Bacher, Bob Orcutt and Jerry Boettcher. Of the over 17,000 entries the winners drawn were: Karen Nass at Livingston’s drawing, Bette Jane Cherwenka, from Mc Lellan’s, William Moritz from Howlands Ace Hardware, Mrs. Lester Erickson from R.O.W., and Mrs. John Swope from Ben Franklin.
The Merrill Blue Jay boys basketball team fell to Antigo this past week then took their frustrations out on Medford on Tuesday winning a lopsided contest 90-37. The Jays were leading the Antigo squad at halftime but the Red Robin crew learned how to shoot during the break outscoring the locals 36-20 in the second half. Dave VanDerGeest led the Jays with 14 points. In the Medford win Rick Semling only played three quarters but scored a dominating 28 points. Dave VanDerGeest chipped in 12, Bruce Muchinske 10, Bob Grunenwald nine, Tom English eight, Tom Rajek six, Todd King and Todd Sladek, four each; Jim Kreis, Keith Zuelsdorf, Chuck Liberty and Steve Dahm, two each and Randy Rajek, one.
Christmas greetings fill the pages of this week’s paper. Some of the ad’s include: Woller & Krueger Realty, Curley’s Service & Avenue Motel, Lincoln House & Motor Inn, Merrill Airways, Weaver & Son’s, Quality Furnace, Taylor Body Shop, Eddie’s Bake Shop, KB Body Shop, House of Merrill, Green’s Flower Shop, Merrill Woolen Store, Merrill Radiator Shop, Seeger’s Dairy, Citizen’s Bank, Roy & Helen’s Bar, Gene’s Refrigeration, Lazy J Bar, Russ’s Family Bar, Frisch’s Bar, Bill’s Standard Service, Kunkel’s Barbershop, Paramount Studio’s, Zettler’s Bakery, and Fowler Drug Store.
12-22-82
Political hopefuls are coming forward. State Representative Sheehan Donoghue has announced she will seek the 12 Senate seat being vacated by Clifford “Tiny” Krueger. Krueger announced last week he was stepping down from his senate post which he has held for 34 years. Judith Stockowitz has announced she will seek the Merrill City Clerk’s post. That position has been vacant since the unexpected death of City Clerk Robert Klug last June. Stockowitz has been serving the city for over ten years, the last three as Deputy City Clerk.
The four men injured in the incident at the Nekoosa Paper Mill remain hospitalized with three out of four being upgraded with their condition. Mark Maluegge is in critical but stable condition, Jerrald Laak is in fair condtion, but Ellsworth Jaeger remains in critical condition at UW Madison Hospital. Reuben Maluegge was transferred last week to Holy Cross Hospital where he is in satisfactory condition. The four men were injured last week while working for Taylor Insulation of Merrill.
Reinke Realty is offering “prime” commercial space as the former Chauvin Shoe Store building and the attached parcel are for sale. The properties are located at 811 & 813 E 1st Street. Besides the commercial property two apartments are above the building to add onto your earning potential. The cost of the structures is just $59,900
12-16-92
With overwhelming support from the Merrill school board it would appear a referendum will be held in April to approve building plans for the future of the MAPS system. The Strategic Planning Building and Grounds Committee has recommended that Franklin and Lincoln Elementary Schools be abandoned and a new elementary school be built. The new school would have three classes per grade and hold up to 550 students. Further, an addition should be put on the high school and the ninth grade be moved there to relieve overcrowding at the junior high and make the high school a four year school which is more in line with the curriculum. The planners estimate costs of the changes will near $14.2 million dollars.
The Merrill Blue Jay wrestling team flattened the D. C. Everest Evergreens last week by a score of 48-18. The Jays are now 2-0 in the Valley Conference. Coach Roger Wendorf stated the Evergreens had drawn as close as 17-12 but four late pins put the Jays on top. The boys’ basketball team split a pair of games, they defeated Antigo 64-57 Friday but lost to Wausau West Tuesday by a score of 54-51.
The Entertainment page is full of things to do this weekend and places to eat. Schult’s Country Inn has its Friday fish fry for $4.10 – this includes a free bowl of soup. Mary’s Homestead Inn is also offering a fish fry which is $5.25 for all you can eat. Salvo’s super pizza special is $7.99 for a 14″ pepperoni. State Rd 17 is full of entertainment. Hubb Inn features Triple Shot on Friday, the Zoo welcomes back Pat & Jim on Saturday. Patchwork will present a Country Christmas at the Old Time Tavern also on Saturday and Amigo’s Bar will have DJ Rockin Rossy on Friday and the jug party on Saturday.