Researched by Michael J. Caylor, Jr.
9-22-71
Construction is underway as downtown financial institute Merrill Federal Savings and Loan begins its remodel and expansion. Ewald W. Schield, Association President, reports the building will be modernized to include a drive-up window, parking lot, and board room. An alleyway on the west side of the building will be moved further to the west, alongside of the Cosmo building. Dallas Ingersoll, Savings and Loan Manager, reported the first phase should be completed this fall, with the final touches added by the start of next summer.
The Union Hall was full on Sunday night as the Merrill Chamber hosted its fifth annual Merrill On the Move, or MOM, awards. Mayor Ralph Voigt and Committee Chairman Ted Jefferson hosted the event. Mrs. John Kelly received an award for her time and effort in a wide variety of services to the city’s elderly citizens and her equal dedication to the Cub and Girl Scout communities. Kelly is the coordinator of the drop-in center for the aging at City Hall and sits on the Committee on Aging. All three financial institutions were honored by the Chamber for their commitment to the city by taking on major expansion or remodeling projects this year. In presenting the awards, the Mayor noted this shows their confidence in the future of the community. The awards were accepted by Charles Eckerle, Joe Semling, and Max Krembs. Events throughout the city showcase Merrill On the Move this weekend and kick off the start of Wonderful Wisconsin week. The Sisters of the Holy Cross also treated citizens to some history, as they opened the T.B. Scott Mansion for tours on Sunday.
Another exciting part of MOM and Wonderful Wisconsin is that now trucks headed out of Merrill will feature stickers boasting “Merrill Products on the Move – We Like It Here,” and stores will have cards next to Wisconsin-produced merchandise. Fourteen randomly selected employees in area manufacturing facilities will receive gift baskets filled with local and Wisconsin-based products. Trucks heading out with Merrill products include the following companies: ROW Cash & Carry, Merrill Candy Company, Quality Print, House of Merrill, Lincoln Wood Products, Weinbrenner Shoe Company, Wire Products, and Semling-Menke.
9-23-81
The County Board likes the idea of having a professional Personnel Director, but wants to study the idea a bit more before committing to the position. The Board did approve a fourth full-time Maintenance position for the County and asked DA Michael Dudley for more information on the positions he requested of an Assistant DA and part-time Victim Witness Coordinator. The Personnel Director of Marathon County, Jerry Stone, is consulting with a small sub-committee studying the changes. Committee members include Jean Rogers, Dick Baumgart, and Frank Mangus.
Attendees at the Merrill Airport Open House were able to see the new improvements to the facility. Large crowds who came out were not disappointed with the many aircraft on display and the demonstrations provided. State Senator Clifford Krueger and State Representative Sheehan Donoghue both spoke on the importance of air travel to our local economy. Airport Commission Chair Charles Eckerle pointed out the improvements made at the facility, including the new 4,000-foot lighted runway. Dieter Nickel, President of the Merrill Chamber, called the improvements a true sign Merrill is “On the Move.”
Merrill’s new Park and Recreation Director will be on the job as of Monday. Karen Lafky will start work her after having served as the Assistant Park and Rec Director in Shawano. The UW La Crosse graduate interned with the Marathon County Park Department prior to seeking employment in Shawano.
The DNR said earlier this week that complaints of wolves in the county are completely unfounded. Two reports were received on the eastern side of the county, including one by Edmund Rychter of Gleason who said two wolves were harassing six deer in his field and were also in by his pastured heifers. Rychter described the animals as being silver grey and weighing 130 pounds and stated they have been hanging out near his farm since early August. The DNR conducted a “howling survey” and found the animals were coyotes.
The body of a 22-year-old Merrill man who drowned in Madison has been returned home. Services will be conducted Friday for Steven Schnagl at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Schnagl was born in Minnesota and graduated from UW Madison this spring. His parents, Theodore and Rosella Schnagl, reside at 1101 O’Day St. in Merrill.
9-25-91
The MAPS School Board has reversed its decision, and students may now ride the activities bus after school. The Board had eliminated the late bus that serves students in athletics and other extra-curricular activities, but brought the measure back after last week. The bus will cost taxpayers about $16,000; however, half of that should be recovered with state aid.
The Merrill Bluejay Football Team racked up their first victory of the season by downing Marshfield 22 – 13 at home this past Friday under Coach Greg Schofield. Bill Ott led the team on the ground with 110 yards on eight carries, while Junior quarterback Pete Borchardt added 55 yards in rushing in his debut. Merrill takes on the unbeaten D.C. Everest Evergreens next week.