Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr
6-6-79
The Lincoln County Commission on Aging will implement a bus ride to town program to assist those in the Gleason area. The fare free bus will pick up riders at their home or at pre-designated stops in Gleason and bring them to Merrill. The bus will start its rounds in Gleason at 9:30 AM and if you need a ride back, you must be at the Merrill Drop-In Center by 2:30 PM to catch a ride home. The bus will run over other Friday on a trial basis; the Wisconsin DOT has provided a grant for this project.
In local briefs: Dr. Jorge Valcarcel has joined Doctors Ahmad and Bayer at the Merrill Medical Associates. Frank Bolea has opened his Chevy-Olds-Cadillac dealership on Old Hwy 51 South, this week’s special is a 1979 Olds Cutlass wagon for just $5850, and that include AC! John Arendt has assumed duties as the Youth Agent for the local 4-H. Two big prize winners on the west side where Darlene Puphal won the television set given away as part of the grand opening of the Pot-O-Gold store and Emil Van Goethem won the TV set given away as part of the 64 th anniversary at Gruett’s Appliance. Also on the business page an article introduces us to Jan Bingham, manager of the new J&W Books and Tobacco Store at 724 E 2 nd St; Jan owns the business with her husband Wayne. Merrill House of Music announces the change to their summer hours as they will now close at noon on Saturdays until Labor Day. Double “R” Western Shop will have their grand opening next weekend at its location in the basement of Double “R” Realty right across from the Merrill Dairy Queen. And if you are looking for a good meal the Knights of Columbus will be hosting their annual chicken BBQ at St. Francis, serving Sunday at 11:00 AM for a cost
of $3 per person.
6-7-89
Merrill is gearing up for Riverfest weekend as festivities get underway tomorrow at Ott’s Park. The Merrill Jaycees are sponsoring the event, which features four days of entertainment. New this year is a summer-wear style show, snowmobile races on the Wisconsin River, and a triathlon, which begins Saturday morning. Bands, powerboat races, a carnival, fireworks, food, and beverages can all be found on the grounds. The cost of admission is the purchase of a Riverfest button.
The City of Merrill and the Merrill Chamber have announced two new housing projects to help alleviate the lack of rental housing in Merrill. Chamber Executive Dee Olsen reports Merrill has seen recent growth in local industry which has brought more people to the area, as a result rental housing is scarce and the hope is that with the additional units Merrill will become more appealing for those wishing to relocate. One of the projects will be known as Hollywood Townhouses and will be built north of the cemetery, and the second will encompass property off South State St at Riverside Ave and will be known as Riverside on the Green. In total 117 units will be constructed; Mayor Ken Sparr notes the city investment is minimal, only having to change the zoning of the two areas.
The buildings themselves will be paid for entirely by the investors.
Congratulations to Merrill’s Jack Kasper who has been selected as Lion of the Year by the local club. Lion’s President Richard Franke is shown presenting Kasper with the award. Also honored was Jim Boettcher who received the Lion’s International Presidents Leadership Award, the highest award in Lionism. Boettcher was recognized for his work in bringing the Lion’s Quest program into the local schools. Boettcher has been the previous recipient of the Lion of the Year Award.
6-9-99
Lots of things are happening around town this weekend. The Farmer’s Market opens for the season on Saturday according to the Merrill Chamber. On Saturdays the market will be in the parking lot of the Lincoln County Jail and on Wednesdays it will be in the parking lot of Dave’s County Market. The group is planning a special sale for this year’s Crazy Days and plans on selling at the fair and Jennyfest.
In briefs: A new housing development is being designed north of Merrill off State Rd 107; it will be known as the Cardinal Ridge Estates and lots begin at $16,500. The Rotary Club has recognized Duane Luedke as Rotarian of the Year while Wayne Smith received the group’s Paul Harris Fellowship award. President John Koch is shown presenting the awards. The North Star Casino will have the Legends of Country outdoor concert next weekend where for a short drive you can enjoy the music of Loretta Lynn or George Jones. Warm up bands include John Connolly.