Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr
10-3-79
An early morning smoldering fire destroyed a large amount of stock at the Lincoln Wood warehouse early Saturday morning. A call to the Merrill Police Department from a concerned neighbor who smelled smoke led to the discovery of the fire. Fire Chief Ray Priebe feels the fire likely started near a fork lift and spread to nearby storage racks filled with cut stock. A call for all off duty fireman was placed once the alarm was turned in at 4:48 AM; even retired firefighter and neighbor of the plant Marvin Neuman was placed into service as he ferried additional equipment to the scene. It is believed that Lincoln Wood is the only major woodworking plant in the city without a night watchman.
In news briefs: Holy Cross Hospital has increased their daily rates, a private room at the hospital will now be $97. Hospital Controller Dan Deemy blamed inflation for the raise. Congressman Dave Obey walked through the Ward Paper Company this past week and is pictured with plant manager Bruce Skofronick. Obey is touring paper mills throughout his district to learn about issues those factories have been having. Police are still clearing their complaint blotter after homecoming festivities led to multiple reports of property damage and toilet papering of houses and trees. Nearly two dozen MHS students spent the Saturday after the big game cleaning lawns. On a positive note from the event, Patty Lindquist was selected Homecoming Queen; she is pictured with her escort John Drengler. Tragedy struck a local family as 12 year old Troy Duginski drowned while trying to save a friend while they were swimming in Hockessin, Delaware. Duginski was brought back to Merrill and was buried at Bloomville, his local grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Edward Duginski. SSG Roger Peck of Merrill has been awarded the special skill qualification label of Master Gunner. Peck is the first Wisconsin Army National Guard member to receive this distinction. SSG Peck is the only remaining active member of Company A, Merrill, who served at Fort Lewis, WA during the Berlin Crisis.
There was no come from behind victory this week as the Merrill Blue Jay football team took on the Wisconsin Rapids Red Raiders in front of 3400 fans at Jay Stadium. The Jays started the season 4-0, but each victory was punctuated by the phrase “heart attack alley” as they came from behind in the final quarters to pull out wins. This past week however the boys jumped out to a lead of 28-0 before settling on a 35-20 victory for a 5-0 perfect record. The Jays will next take on the Newman Cardinals this Saturday at home.
10-4-89
Two weekends have been set aside for the official open house and grand opening of the Merrill Historical Museum. The museum is the fruit of ten years of hard work on behalf of the association to preserve the history of Merrill. The museum is known as the first home of T. B. Scott, lumber baron and the city’s first mayor. Mr. Scott died in that house in 1886. It was later a funeral home before being purchased by Christ United Methodist Church. They are now leasing the building for $1 to the Historical Society. Another tour this weekend for you to take in is at the new corporate headquarters of Hurd Millwork on South Prospect St. The new 31,000 square foot building is a showcase to Hurd’s commitment to the community.
Martin Dietrich has passed away. The 85 year old native of Nebraska formerly owned the Merrill Box Company. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill and wintered in Lake Wales, Florida. The legacy he leaves upon Merrill will likely be here for at least a century as he was the founder of the Merrill Golf Club. Coach Greg Schofield is calling this past Friday one long night, as his Blue Jays were defeated at D.C. Everest by a score of 45-3. Quarterback Jeff Bonnell along with Todd Zulliger, Chad Meyer and Jason Bootz were all standouts in the lopsided loss. The team hopes to regroup against the Wausau West Warriors this Friday night at Jay Stadium.
10-6-99
Homecoming is this weekend and a large class is slated to enter the Silver M Club. New members include: Randy English, Joel Juhlke, Dave Saal, Dave Borchardt, Doug Grisa, Tom Lutzke, Steve Rajek, Steve Strom, Don Wendorf, Pat Nelson, Steve Ferries, Mike Norris, Mike Saal, Al Detert, Robin Kudick, Jon Malm, Bob Semling, Russ Yanda, John Zuelsdorff, Bob Henson, Kelly O’Day, Mark Schultz, Doug Freeman, Steve Lutterbach, Rick Plautz, Dan Stiver, Tim Wanless, Dennis Yorde and Bill Folta. Reaching Gold M status: Ronald Coty, Donald Edmund, Rodney Gustin, David Knospe, Phil Kamke, Steve Kluetz, William Kluetz, Jack Langlois, Jerry Muderloh and John Slewitzke. Reaching the exclusive Diamond M status is Ewald Schulz.