Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr
5-9-79
The City of Merrill has formed an agreement with the Merrill Housing Authority to lease parking space immediately adjacent to the new Jenny Towers high rise facility to facilitate parking. The city now owns the parcels which were formerly occupied by Dr. M.P. Kendall and Rev. and Mrs. M.L. Buesing, and with occupancy of the first few floors of the 100 unit apartment building expected to begin next week the Housing Authority is in desperate need of parking space. As part of the agreement the Housing Authority will pay the interest only on the $70,000 for the first two years at 6% and then in year three they will begin paying back the principal of the loan. The city will spend an estimated $30,000 to remove the buildings to accommodate the parking area. In other Housing Authority news, Raymond Galipeau Sr. has been appointed the acting head of the group. He will serve until Joseph Jackelen is able to return to work. Galipeau is busy with final HUD inspections as Jenny Towers begins occupancy; Galipeau had served as vice-chairman of the Housing Authority.
Merrill Area Public Schools may be on the verge of hiring a new head coach for the boys’ basketball program. Dr. Thomas Strick is recommending the approval of a contract with Robert E. Wojtusik, a Three Lakes native, for the top spot. Strick noted there were 179 applications for the top job, a field that was narrowed down to 22, all of whom were former or current head coaches. Strick stated that Wojtusik stood out in the pack for several reasons including his desire to move his family to Merrill to make it their permanent home. A graduate from both UW Stevens Point and Northern Michigan University, Wojtusik coached at both Oconto Falls and Mayville and has compiled an overall record of 213-92 with the team from Mayville garnering five conference championships. The vote on the recommendation will come at the school board meeting tonight. (I bet they vote yes)
5-10-89
The Merrill Senior High School Marching Jays returned to Merrill to a grand welcome yesterday including a police escort through town after they captured first place at the Shenandoah Music Festival in Virginia. The band went to Virginia last week to participate in festivities surrounding annual blooming of the cherry blossoms. During the annual parade the Jays were one of over 60 bands that marched in front of 200,000 spectators, marching away with the first place trophy in Class A competition. Besides the championship award the Jays also received the President’s Award for concert performance competing with 27 other bands. The 130 + member band is directed by Dan Nordall and Dale Smith.
The Merrill Common Council approved a plan last evening which involves one business leaving downtown and another expanding. Trantow Building Center will sell the city land located behind their downtown location in order for the city to expand parking for downtown merchants. As a condition of the purchase Trantow’s have promised to build their new “building center” in the city limits. Thelma’s has also promised to expand their footprint in downtown Merrill by occupying the space formerly occupied by the building supply company. The city will pay $75,000 for the land, and its development into parking will come in phases according to Mayor Ken Sparr. Funds for the purchase will come from the city’s parking meter fund which currently holds $88,000. In other city council action the group approved a conditional use permit for the Sisters of Mercy of Holy Cross to start changing the convent on O’Day Street into an assisted living center.
Congratulations to Dr. Dan Rajek and his Family Denistry practice on their new state of the art facility. A full page ad from the contractors who completed the transition of the building at 301 E 2nd St can be found on page six.
5-12-99
A national television star will present a musical event at the Merrill High School auditorium. Chris Burke, best known as Corky on the hit ABC series Life Goes On, will be on hand with Joe and John DeMasi for the event. Tickets for the event are free and can be picked up at the Lincoln Industries building on North Memorial Drive. The event is billed as an inspirational event for those with great challenges in life.
Plans for a new jail or justice center are once again on hold after the building committee abruptly canceled the meeting planned for tomorrow where they were to discuss plans from architects and prepare a proposal for next Tuesday’s full County Board meeting. County Clerk Bob Kunkel told the Merrill Foto News he had no explanation why the chair canceled the meeting. At the last meeting of the group, space needs were discussed including what departments may remain downtown and which may move if a justice center is built. Another debated topic is how much garage space the sheriff’s office needs. The current safety building has five spaces, but plans have called for up to 22 inside parking spots in the new designs.