Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr
11-10-76
Doctors from the Family Medical Clinic will move into their new facility at 1205 O’Day St. this weekend and open shop on Monday at their new state of the art facility. Work stated in May for the 10,000 square foot facility. Drs. Erling O. Ravn, Michael Mikkelson, James Janowiak, and T. P. Simerson, all associated with the Family Medical Clinic, will take up practice there. Dr. Jack Millenbah and Dr. G.C. Kloster will also have offices in the building, and according to Dr. James Janowiak another doctor is expected to be added in the summer of 1977. The new facility will allow for more efficient handling of patients with added examining rooms, x-ray and lab facilities and a large waiting room. The building will also run a clinic which will be managed by Richard Nerbun.
The Merrill City Council voted to borrow $1 million to finance city projects for next year. The projects mostly have to do with infrastructure with water utility, storm sewers and street improvements. A proposal to borrow an additional $70,000 to add a new apparatus room to the east side fire station was rejected. Even though the calendar says November the council got ahead of itself and set the pool fees for next year. A child season pass is $7, adults $10 and a family pass is $25. Non-residents will pay slightly higher rates.
Lots of things are happening around town. Gamble’s Store had their ribbon cutting and the store officially opens tomorrow at 10. Jerry Goetsch and his Orchestra will be at Les & Jim’s this Friday starting at 8:30. Schmidt’s Ballroom is having November Fest on Sunday starting at 2 p.m., music from The Jolly Gentleman, Golden Stars, Band Boys and Arwin Herzog will entertain. Hinz’s Cork and Dyne reminds you that every Thursday the special is prime rib, $3.95 for a complete dinner. The Corning Bar has Italian on Wednesday, fish fry on Friday and a smorgasbord on Sunday; they are located west on K to Joe Snow Road. The Riverside Club now has their salad bar up with noon lunch specials this week as well. Chips has coupons for their breakfast platters, only .99 cents.
11-12-86
Workers from Northern Wire addressed the city council last evening at their monthly meeting but did not gain much support. The union seemed to be looking for an endorsement from the group in order to further their cause at the bargaining table. Mayor Richard Holt explained to the group despite sympathy for them they have no authority over their affairs and the factory itself does not even sit inside the city limits. The striking union members left disgruntled, noting they may now picket Holt’s home in protest as they feel he is siding with management. In a separate article inside of the paper, it was noted that after four hours of bargaining the two sides reached a stalemate and have planned a third sit down within the next week. The union rep noted that as long as the two sides are talking they are making progress.
Action on the council floor included a contract settlement with the street department workers union. The contract calls for a 4.5% pay increase. A full time secretary that split time between the street department and the park and rec department has been eliminated. The park and rec department instead was funded with a half time secretary. The council also approved a recommendation from the health and safety committee to install stop and go lights at the intersection of North Center Avenue and East 3rd Street and to eliminate any signs that sit in concrete barrels, asking instead for proper permanent signage throughout the town. The council also noted the recent recognition given to Ellsworth “Zonie” Plautz of Merrill’s 8th ward an alderman since 1946. The group wanted to recognize the longest continuous service of a member of a governing body who was still in office. Plautz recalled how “Tiny” Krueger encouraged him to apply for the alderman post which had been vacated by Wally Kienbaum. He went to the meeting to see if he got the job and said before he realized it he was seated at the table and has been coming back ever since. Plautz noted the changes in technology in the city now with every department now having a computer except for the fire department, and he remembers when they responded to calls with horses. Plautz has twice served as interim mayor Merrill during his tenure.
Lots of other people and groups are being recognized around town: The Jaycee’s are celebrating their own anniversary, 50 years as a local group. MLB Umpire Bruce Froeming will speak at the banquet marking the occasion this Friday at Lincoln Lanes. Ralph Schewe was the group’s first president although W.B. Chilsen was charged with organizing the meetings that led to the groups formation. Louise Schotz has been recognized as the 1986-1987 District High School Teacher of the Year. Schotz teaches chemistry at MHS; she is pictured with Principal Lanny Tibaldo and BOE President Jay Tlustly. Mrs. Anita Gebert has been named Wisconsin Library Trustee of the year; she is pictured receiving her award from Curt LeMay from T. B. Scott Library in Merrill. Adult 4H leaders were recently recognized, they included Florence Schewe, Dave and Maria Breunig, and Brian Lau.
he Merrill on the Move Awards were presented this past Saturday. They included Don Semling as Hall of Fame Award, Bill Weber with the Ambassador Award, and Joe Harkner and Mike Rathke the Mayor’s Life Saving Award. Group Awards went to the Merrill Historical Society and the Merrill Girl’s All-Star Team. The Historical Society recognized Royal Henson for his contributions to the Merrill Historical Society; Henson is the club’s retiring president. Other retiring members recognized were treasurers Rachel Geisler and Albert Degner along with board members Clarence Styza and Dave Finanger. Alice Krueger will now lead the organization.
11-13-96
Two people have been arrested in connection with a series of arson fires at the Whispering Pines Trailer Park this past week. The investigation was a joint effort of the police department, fire department, and the State Arson Bureau. The pair may also be responsible for $9,000 in damages at Merrill Memorial Park. The suspects are a 27-year-old male and a 15-year-old female.
Things might be getting better in your local cafeteria. A group effort organized by Roxanne Sladek and Chris Lokemoen is pairing Merrill Distributing and MAPS in order to give the students healthier but more appetizing choices in the school lunch line. Chicken stir fry and fajitas were among the top choices besides the usual favorite pizza and fish nuggets. Several dessert options were also introduced.
The AODA unit at Sacred Heart Hospital announces they will now accept youths in an inpatient treatment setting. The facility is located inside Sacred Heart Hospital in Tomahawk.