Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr.
3-12-80
The County now has the funding for a new safety building, however finding the money was not easy. The county employed financial consultant Raymond Osness of Clayton & Brown Associated of Milwaukee to negotiate the sale of bonds for the estimated $1.7 million dollar project and six bidders expressed interest in providing the money. When the board met on Wednesday to select the winning bidder none of the banks showed up. Osness explained that stringent conditions put on the loans by the county left them unattractive in the current market with the 8% interest rate ceiling being the largest turnoff. Osness went to work that afternoon and secured financing from the First National Bank of Chicago who agreed to provide the finances with a 8.7% interest rate over four years which will then be renegotiated based on current market rates. The majority of the early payments on the notes will just pay interest, for example, in 1982 $195,725 will be paid on interest while only$50,000 will go to the principal.
After a public hearing the city of Merrill Common Council has voted to keep the one way street system. City Clerk Bob Klug read a petition signed by over 300 people asking that the pilot program be abandoned. The petition cited the effects it has on local businesses and the belief Merrill does not need one way streets. In the end, only aldermen Roger English and Arthur Pauck voted to end the system, while alderwoman Anita Gebert promised to petition the post office to install drop boxes in front of the city garage to help ease congestion in front of the post office.
In briefs: The Snyder Drug store has opened in the former S&L building on South Mill St. The store is a full service pharmacy with household items as well. Three residents have been appointed to the board at Holy Cross Hospital; Audrey Taylor, Wilbert Lindstrom, and Sr. Pat Cormack will all serve terms.
The Merrill High School boys’ basketball team was eliminated in tournament play Saturday. Wausau West’s Scott Huehnerfuss made only one basket in the contest, but it put West ahead 43-41 to earn them the regional title. The Jays end their season with a 12-8 record.
3-14-90
The City of Merrill Common Council took the bold step of passing an ordinance regarding placing of garbage at the curbside. According to Mayor Ken Sparr the ordinance is intended to stop people for letting trash pile up for days and discouraging animals from making a buffet out of rotting trash. Under the new ordinance residents are not allowed to place garbage out prior to 4:00 PM the day before pick up.
Lifelong area resident Paul Duginski has died. Duginski, age 88 of Hope St, passed away yesterday at Good Samaritan Health Center. Duginski was the former manager of the Consumers Co-op in Merrill, and before joining the co-op he was a dairy farmer in the Town of Corning. Duginski also served as the Clerk of the town of Corning, a former chairman of the township, a former member of the county board. He also served on the local draft board during World War II. He presently served as a member of the board of directors of M&I Bank in Merrill. Funeral services will be Saturday at St. Robert’s Church.
Congratulations to the newest members of MAPS 25 Club. The group recognizes educators who have served locally for 25 years or more. Pictured on page 15 are: Ruth Koblitz, Barb Tholl, Elaine Tabor, Joan Kobellus, Marge Rajek, Leota Davis, Jack Ader, Dick Monka, Bob Monti, Ron Sterr, Roger Brandt, Bob Gruling, Arvo Britten, Rod Maki, Bill Storm, Ron Schneider, Don Kerr, Dave Belfiori, Al Curtis, Jackie Kuck, Rich Lehman, JoAnn Opsahl, Frank Roskos, and Ed Slewitzke.
3-15-2000
A major boost has come to the fund to renovate and expand the T. B. Scott Library. In a press conference Todd Nicklaus of River Valley State Bank along with Merrill Mayor Michael Caylor announced the donation of $500,000 on behalf of his parents Ronald and Ellen Nicklaus to the project. Todd Nicklaus noted his families humble beginnings in farming in the Irma area when Elmer Nicklaus would drive from Irma to Merrill in a Model A 1940’s once a month to borrow books from the library. Mayor Caylor noted the Nicklaus donation brings the fund up to $800,000 of the $1 million dollars required of local commitment for the project. The library board is confident that goal will be reached prior to the April referendum to decide on city funding.
A proposal set to go before the county board Tuesday could cap their spending at 5% for 2001. Supervisors Phil Cohrs and Melissa Schroeder are bringing the resolution to the floor. They note the county budget has gone up 200% in the last ten years.