Letters to the Editor
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Merrill Foto News, its publishers, Editor, or staff.
To the Editor:
When I moved here 15 years ago, I was shocked at the lack of historic preservation in Merrill—far too many beautiful structures have been lost. In my eyes, the serious deterioration and subsequent demolition of the T.B. Scott Mansion was just another example, but perhaps it will serve as a wake up call for every one of us to realize the importance of saving what is left, for it is not too late for other historic structures still standing. We have quite a number of 100+ year old buildings here that are WORTH saving, but they are vulnerable as none of them are listed on the State Historic Registry and because our city has NO plan for the preservation of our living history.
Historic preservation is the responsibility of us ALL. It defines a town and tells others that we care about our ties to the past. It adds character and can be an economic draw to our city. We have the power to change the fate of the historic buildings that remain in Merrill. These special structures are at the mercy of time and their owners who may or may not be sensitive to preserving them. The T.B. Scott Mansion should have taught us all a real lesson–it is time to come together to create a plan of action. Please join me and the Historic Preservation Committee at our monthly meeting on April 8th at 5:15 p.m. at City Hall.
– Sincerely, Heather O’Neill
Merrill, Wis.
To the Editor:
The Second Economic Impact Payments (EIP2) have already or will soon be received by most Merrill area taxpayers. There are many among us who, if we are honest with ourselves, do not need those funds.
There are a number of Merrill area public organizations that are doing wonderful things for the common good, and all of them would welcome additional financial support. Because of the COVID situation, many of them were unable to hold fundraising events last year. Information and mailing addresses on all of them are readily available.
Please consider “Food For Kids” as one of those worthy of your support. Thank you.
– Bill Weber
Food For Kids Committee c/o St. Stephens UCC
903 E. 2nd St., Merrill, Wis.
To the Editor:
I am writing this letter as a warning.
I have received a number of scam calls. I do not have Caller ID, but if I dial *69, I can tell if or who – what number – has called.
I have not had breast cancer, but my sister has and many friends have also. As well as my brother died of lung cancer. This seemed to be a nice lady on the phone who wanted a donation for breast cancer. I said, “I would.” She kept going on and on as to how much would I give. I asked her to send info to me and would give my address. She wanted my credit card.
She still kept going on and on and did not want a check. She kept saying most people use a credit card.
I finally said, “As long as you keep going on and on and on and ON, I am going to hang up!!!” And I did.
I called the Sheriff’s Department. The dispatcher said I did the right thing. It was also checked that it was a SCAM!
– Sincerely V. Darlene Wierick
Gleason, Wis.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
*Letters must be 250 words or less (There will be no exceptions to this. Any letter longer than 250 words will not be printed.)
*All letters must include full name, address and phone number of the composer. Phone numbers and addresses will not be published, but will be used for verification purposes, if necessary.
*Letters will be published at the discretion of the Editor. While letters on most any topic will be published, any letters deemed derogatory, inflammatory, slanderous, or involving vulgar language, will not be published.
*Letters will be published on a “first come, first served” basis. Any letters which we are unable to publish in the printed newspaper will be run online at www.merrillfotonews.com and may be printed in the paper at a later date if possible.