Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr.
2-13-80
With less than a week to go before the primary election those running for office are working to get the word out. City voters will see five races, four in aldermanic districts and the race for mayor. In the first ward James R. Mahn will face off against Richard G. Hayes and John W. Kleinschmidt. In the third ward Stanley Frisch, Wallace Touchette, and David D’Amico will all find their names on the ballot. The fifth ward will see Patrick Nugent seeking to reclaim his seat as he faces competition from DeLyle Bohse, Glorian Klempke, and David Mootz. In the eighth ward Anita Gebert will find her name next to Walter Proft and Antonio Canez. The most closely watched race will be between four people seeking the mayor’s office. Current Mayor Ralph “Fata” Voigt who was appointed to the position to finish the term of Nugent did not seek the office. Political newcomer Kevin Kuehmichel, local insurance agents Richard Holt and Dick Baumgart, and County Board Rep and alderman Jean Rogers face off for the position. A story covering most of the front page notes where the candidates stand on many issues. The top two candidates in each race will face off in April.
One other candidate announced he is seeking to return to the office of city attorney. Michael Ravn is a partner in the law firm of Russell and Ravn and has served as city attorney since 1978. During his tenure he has also served as Lincoln County Corporation Counsel.
Those who were expecting to see Republican John Connally at Lincoln Lanes this Saturday better make other plans. Connally announced that his presence elsewhere would be more advantageous to his campaign. (He should have chosen Merrill instead, Ronald Reagan sent him packing back to Texas in less than a month)
Fire caused extensive damage to a home owned by David Kleinschmidt and injured two Merrill firefighters. In total 20 firefighters fought the blaze on South Genesee St. Firefighters were on the scene for three hours and returned three times to extinguish hot spots. Deputy Chief Lavern Krueger hopes to be on duty next week while Deputy Chief William Hass hopes to be back to work today.
2-14-90
Wisconsin Governor Tommy G. Thompson will be attending a breakfast and will speak publically in Merrill this Friday. Chamber of Commerce Director Dee Olsen reported that tickets for the event at Club 64 will be sold on a first come first serve basis. Although we have had visits, this is the first time a Wisconsin Governor publically spoke in Merrill in eleven years, according to Olsen. A related article on page one is likely the main topic of conversation as the counties of Lincoln, Langlade, Marathon and Oneida are reporting the loss of $8 million dollars in revenue from the state’s community aid program. State Representative Tom Ourada notes the main reason is the legislature is ignoring a formula to share this aid that was approved in 1979.
A brother of two Merrill Police Officers disarmed and held a man he caught burglarizing a cabin in the Town of Rock Falls. Tim Caylor, 612 Wisconsin St, also tried to apprehend the driver of the getaway vehicle, but the man escaped. Det. Sgt. Robert Hartkopf reported the van was found at a home in Wausau and has been impounded. Caylor and his wife Donna were driving to their cabin on Tug Lake Ave when he spotted a vehicle parked at the driveway of a neighboring cabin owned by his brother T. William Caylor. Caylor found a man hiding behind the gate at the cabin along with numerous items from the cabin stacked in front of him. The driver of the van fled as Caylor took the suspect, armed with a hunting knife, into custody. Tim reported the man had been drinking and did not offer much resistance. Hartkopf said the pair are likely involved in numerous property crimes and the investigation is very fluid. Tim Caylor and T. William Caylor are brothers to Merrill Police Officers Michael and Daniel Caylor. (I am sure this is one of many stories the four are sharing above us)
2-16-2000
With two games to go, the Merrill Blue Jay girls’ basketball team has clinched the Valley Conference after rolling over two more Valley foes this past week. With a record of 18-0 overall and 14-0 in the conference, the girls have just two games to go on the season. This past Tuesday the team traveled to Wisconsin Rapids where they posted a 42-31 over the Red Raiders. They then defeated the Marshfield Tigers on Friday by a score of 46-35. Mindy Hartwig led in scoring on Friday while Liz Strobel led on Tuesday, chalking up 15 points. The final game of the season is this Friday when the girls welcome Wausau East to the fieldhouse.