Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr.

10-10-79
This Sunday the doors of Lincoln Hills School in Irma will open as the institute welcomes the public for a tour of the building and grounds. The students themselves will be guiding the tours and upon completion guests will be treated to refreshments along with a question and answer opportunity with administration and staff members. The institute is located off County Rd H in the Town of Birch.
In a strange report to the sheriff’s office the owner of the Midget Bar in Tomahawk reports that someone walked into the establishment on Saturday and walked off with the bar’s black and white TV set. The list of suspects is short.
A fire at St. Francis Church was set by the priest and applauded the congregation this past Saturday. Father Peter Szleszinski burned the mortgage for the building, an 18 year effort for the $500,000 note. Meanwhile, at the First Presbyterian Church they are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the church. Dignitaries and local members of the cloth are expected to join in the celebration; Pastor Merle Porter leads the congregation.
Looking for something to do this weekend? The Entertainment page has some ideas for you. Galella’s Cork and Dyne is featuring a ribeye and shrimp dinner for just $5 or broasted chicken for just $3.25. Lierman’s Ballroom has the music of the Fugitives, and their rib eye dinner is $3.25 on Sunday. The Black Heath Supper Club has their champagne brunch on Sunday for just $4.95, and it features four entrees. Kozy Korner has expanded their hours and will now be open until 10:00 PM weeknights. The newly remodeled Ali Bab’s disco is now open, but remember they arenow closed on Mondays for private parties. Kings and Queens Restaurant inside of the Lincoln House will have Johnny Lynn this Friday, while the Jackson’s play every Tuesday. In Cosmo number one it is another hit from local director Bill Rebane with “The Capture of Bigfoot,” while the long run of the hit Animal House ends tomorrow night.
The Merrill Blue Jay football team continued their winning ways knocking off the Cardinals of Wausau Newman High School this past Saturday 27-12. Newman put up a tough defense in the first half and their offense came alive in the second half giving the Jays a tough battle to maintain their unbeaten record. In the end it was the usual combination of the ground game of Doug Grisa who rushed for 139 yards on 39 attempts, a new school record for carries, and Rick Bonnell at quarterback who completed 10 of 15 passes for 147 with receiver Pete Weber catching eight of those passes for 135 yards. The 6-0 Jays will take on Wausau West this Friday at Thom Field.
10-11-89
October is Restaurant Month and a full page ad highlights area eateries. Featured dining includes: Mary’s Homestead Inn, Hwy 51 Truck Stop, Champ’s Family Restaurant, Kathy and Cal’s Club 64, Kozy Korner, South of the Border, 3’s Company, Club Modern, Pine Ridge Restaurant, Skippers, and Hardee’s.
Mark and Tammy Engel announce they have purchased Frisch’s Bar in mid-city Merrill and will now re-brand it as Sport’s Bar. Happy hour prices are can beer and rail drinks for .75 and on Sundays Bloody Mary’s are just $1.00.
With their defeat of Wausau West this past Saturday the Merrill Blue Jay football team assured themselves a winning season. The Jays led for most of the contest and eventually cruised to a 29-6 win leaving them 5-2 on the season. Merrill racked up 285 yards on the ground while holding West to just 124. Coach Greg Schofield noted it is now up to the team as they head to Antigo Friday and then complete the season against Rhinelander as they have to defeat both opponents to gain a spot in the playoffs.
10-13-99
Wisconsin Public Service is getting pushback from area residents and government officials in the wake of the announcement of their proposed 250 high voltage line which is part of the project “Power Up Wisconsin.” The Lincoln County Board of Supervisors endorsed a resolution opposing the construction and State Representative Sarah Waukau (D-Antigo) has sent letters questioning the need to run the power line through Lincoln County. Those opposed to the proposal are encouraged to contact Governor Tommy Thompson or the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.
The visiting team from Minnesota did not display any sympathy to the 1-6 Merrill Blue Jays as they rolled through town for homecoming. Coach Duane Gray explained that the Robinsdale-Armstrong Falcons were not brought to town to be a pushover for the home team. They played tough football and Gray said his team was able to learn things during the game that they cannot get from Valley opponents. Merrill will now face the 0-7 Antigo Red Robins this Friday.