Jeremy Ratliff
Editor
Sometime during the weekend of Saturday, Aug. 8 and Sunday, Aug. 9, the River Bend Trail- made possible by a continuous grass roots fundraising and volunteer efforts, spanning over ten years- sustained considerable damage due to various forms of vandalism. From every one of the 17 lamplights on the trail being smashed out, to various signs and placards being spray painted with derogatory terms and other obscenities, the total damage estimate tops the $17,000 mark.
While most of the damage has since been repaired or rectified, the Friends of the River Bend Trail have now established a fund for a cash reward; to anyone who brings those responsible for the extensive damage, forward.
“This sort of thing is just senseless,” explains Friends of the Riverbend Trail Chairman Greg Hartwig.
“We are eagerly seeking any information on who may be responsible for this.”
While the senseless act(s) committed that weekend may have been a setback for those who have spent countless hours making the trail possible, Hartwig credits the efforts of the Merrill community for not only a quick response, but rectifying most of the damage within a matter of a few days.
“Within a day or so of the damage being discovered, we had so many members of the community responding to help,” Hartwig adds.
“Dallas and Jessica Seiwert assisted us with repainting near the Nicklaus Bridge. And thanks to a coordinated effort between RTL Electric and the Merrill Parks and Recreation Department, most of the lamplights have been repaired at a much less cost than originally anticipated. Those which have yet to be repaired, will be very soon.”
Thanks in part to the efforts of employees from Reindl Printing, a reward fund has now been established at the Merrill Chamber of Commerce. Those interested in contributing to the reward fund, or donating to recoup the cost of repairs sustained from the vandalistic act(s) are encouraged to contact the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce (715) 536-9474.
Those with information regarding the vandalism committed on the River Bend Trail are encouraged to contact the Merrill Police Department (715) 536-8311, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (715) 536-6272, Lincoln County Crime Stoppers (715) 536-3736 or by downloading the p3 app.