Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr.
8-6-75
Two men remain jailed and deputies continue to investigate after a strong armed robbery last Friday night outside of Gleason. Deputies from Marathon County took the two men into custody after locating the vehicle the pair stole traveling south on US Hwy. 51. The pair allegedly attacked the 74-year-old Bloomville man outside of his home, tying him to a tree and beating him with a club before robbing him of $100 and stealing his pickup truck. James A. French of Mississippi and John Curtis of Tennessee were both held on $10,000 cash bonds by Lincoln County Judge Donald E. Schnabel. The victim is reported to be in good condition at Holy Cross Hospital where he was taken for treatment after the incident. Sheriff Ronald Krueger is pictured with the stolen truck, now impounded, on page three.
In other news from the courts, three Tomahawk residents were released from the Lincoln County Jail after posting $500 cash bond each after deputies stumbled on a large marijuana growing operation. Sgt. Dave Haskins is pictured with the towering plants, 81 pounds in all, which were confiscated from a Town of King home. Deputies had gone to the home in search of a stolen canoe but found the marijuana instead.
The Merrill Youth Council will hold a special meeting at the former Wilroy Motors building (Hargrave appliance warehouse now) located at 601 E. 2nd St, tomorrow evening. Thomas Geiger, secretary of the advisory committee, reported this morning that Mayor Ralph Voigt and City Clerk Robert Klug had recently signed an option to purchase the idled facility. Alderman Walter Proft, also a member of the committee, stated that the issue is still under study and he did not see the council taking action on the measure at its August meeting.
8-7-85
Want to change the blocks of cheese driving around Wisconsin? Here is your chance. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is seeking ideas to change the states license plate design. A total of 2.3 million vehicles are currently licensed in the state of Wisconsin and most bear the yellow license plate with black letters. The state would like to look at a different design that will convey a positive image of the state and its opportunities. A selection committee will pare suggestions down for Governor Tony Earl who will make the final selection. Remember, you must include the words “America’s Dairyland” in your design. (I remember John Johnson as having the new white and blue lettered plates in town)
The fair may be over, but the Merrill Police Department is still sorting out complaints from the weekend. A Merrill business owner reported being mugged on the midway, taken was $28 in cash and a watch valued at $80. Merrill Memorial Park reported the lawn was torn up near the mausoleum, and St. Francis Cemetery had over 20 grave stones knocked over by vandals. An ad notes a reward for the culprits of these crimes is being offered by Merrill Monument Company, Schram-Waid, Taylor, and the Wistein Funeral Homes. In general the police department reported the fair was quiet but noted they cited nine people for having beer outside of the fenced in area, cited four people for underage drinking, and arrested three people on warrants.
It is official, by public notice on the business page the city will hold a binding referendum on Sept. 10 on the charter ordinance which would establish the mayor’s office as a full time position as of the next city election in April of 1986. City Clerk Judy Stockowitz reminds voters they have until the second Wednesday prior to the election to register to vote on the future of the charter ordinance. The city council created the position and voted it in as law in April, but a group of citizens gathered enough signatures to force a referendum on the issue.
8-2-95
The big elm tree in front of T.B. Scott Library is safe for a few more years thanks to the work of an arborist. The library board called in the specialist after a large crack formed on the tree which potentially could have had disastrous results – especially during a severe storm. The arborist was able to trim away some lower branches and install cables about halfway up the tree to stabilize it. Mike Schroeder, the maintenance supervisor at T.B. Scott, noted it was the goal to preserve the tree, not destroy it. (It was lost about two years ago but still had plenty of concrete inside of it when they cut it down)
The Merrill Airport Days will be held this Sunday at the Merrill Airport. Skydivers, airplane rides, World War II aircraft, and a Black Hawk Helicopter will be featured. Also, the Semling-Menke Company will donate rides in their corporate Cessna 421 Golden Eagle for those lucky winners of a drawing held every hour on the hour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This isn’t a good sign for those enjoying summer: The Junior High School Orientation is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 25, 1995. For those attending 8th and 9th grade the orientation begins at 9 a.m.; those attending 7th grade will assemble at 1 p.m. Your homeroom will be posted on the office windows and upon arrival on the 25th you will report to your homeroom. Student ID pictures will also be taken on Monday the 28th in the gym.
Steve Mares, son of Mary Mares of Merrill has graduated from the Milwaukee Police Academy. Out of 60 students in the class Mares, a 1988 graduate of Merrill Senior High, ranked second in academics and firearms. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a degree in criminal justice. He has been assigned to the Fourth District in the City of Milwaukee. (Still serving last I checked).