Researched by Michael J. Caylor, Jr.
11-3-71
Local Deputy Sheriff-turned- inventor, Dave Haskins, is hoping his new creation helps emergency personnel and the sick and injured in climates such as northern Wisconsin. Haskins and his company, Lake Nokomis Enterprises, has teamed up with HI-Plastics in Tomahawk to create the Ambu-Ski. A fiberglass body is formed to hold a stretcher and an injured or sick person that needs to be removed from rough terrain or snow-filled areas; the bottoms are outfitted with either a ski or heavy tires that are interchangeable. Haskins saw the need for the emergency vehicles after investigating snowmobile crashes deep in the woods and realizing no safe way was available to remove the victims to awaiting ambulances. The sled is just over eight feet long and weighs about 180 pounds with a stretcher. Since developing a prototype, Haskins said he is fielding orders from as far away as Alaska, Canada, and California. (We had one in Lincoln County; not sure what happened to it, but it was used up until a few years ago, and we certainly got our money out of it.)
The Merrill Chamber held its Annual Banquet late last week and honored Caylor’s Corners as Business of the Year. Mrs. C. L. Caylor and several of her eight children run the store since the death of her husband. The store has furniture, appliances, hardware, clothing, and a gas business. The store is well known for the messages displayed in the front windows such as, “If you can’t stop in, smile as you go by,” and “Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you’ve been up to,” and Mrs. Radlinger cited that friendly spirit in giving the award.
Roger Strand of Strand’s Department Store was honored as Retailer of the Year. Strand was cited for his cooperation with the Retail Committee, friendliness, and advice. Tom Young, President of the Chamber, told those assembled at the Banquet about big plans for the Chamber in 1972, including having its first full-time Director.
Mayor Ralph Voigt has issued a Mayoral Directive barring the hiring of any employees without full Council approval. Voigt cited the lack of certainty in the City Budget and the ongoing unresolved contract negotiations with unions representing most City employees.
A tragic accident in the shadows of Lambeau Field has left a Merrill teacher dead and two others seriously injured. The three were returning from a Teacher’s Convention in Milwaukee when the accident happened at 1:55 a.m. this morning on Lombardi Avenue. Dead is Michael Hartman, age 25, a second-year industrial arts teacher at the High School. Listed in critical condition are Charles Jaglinski, age 26, and Gerald Eiola. Jaglinski is an agriculture instructor, while Eiola is a physical education and track coach at the High School. Preliminary reports say Hartman was struck broadside by a semi-truck.
11-4-81
A Merrill Police Officer is credited with the quick evacuation of residents after a fire broke out last week in a mid-city apartment complex. Patrolman Jay Proft was making his rounds at 7:40 a.m. last Thursday when he saw flames coming from Ted’s Apartments at 314 E. 2nd St. Proft sounded the alarm and began evacuating tenants from the building. Owner Ted Rudolph reported that three of the five apartments were occupied, as he had just finished renovating two of them. Firefighters brought the fire under control in an hour.
A “new” man got broken in at the fire scene. Ray Priebe, retired Merrill Fire Chief, was nearby when the fire broke out. He drove to the Fire Station, retrieved a spare pumper, and then brought it to the scene. Priebe personally did a hose lay and hooked up the pumper truck to the hydrant. Impressed with his hard work, Fire Chief Harvey Emanuel sent him along as a driver when an ambulance call came in during the fire. Although retired, Priebe works as the Emergency Services Coordinator at North Central Technical College.
The City of Merrill is getting into the Christmas spirit, as the Common Council has approved the use of $546 to purchase new bulbs for the decorations that hang throughout town during the holiday season. The City had purchased all new bulbs, but had to return them all and buy new ones when they found out the owners of the decorations that the City leases had installed bigger sockets. Delores Olsen, Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President, said some of the shrink-wrapped decorations were also damaged and needed to be returned. Street Commissioner Phil Erickson said putting up the decorations the week before Thanksgiving is always a challenge, with many of his crew members off on vacation for deer hunting. The City also has an added expense of renting a boom truck for $600 to install the lights.
The Merrill Golf Club has officially been foreclosed on and will face a Sheriff’s Sale on Dec. 11. The two banks who own the outstanding notes on the property, Lincoln County Bank and Merrill Federal Savings and Loan, said the action was regrettable but necessary, as the Club has not made any payments since summer. The minimum bid for the property will be $600,000 in order to satisfy the mortgage and two additional loans that were made to the course during the summer. Gerald Voigt, President of Merrill Federal, noted that although the future of the nine-hole course looks dim, he predicts golfing will be happening by spring.
11-6-91
Merrill Police are tight-lipped over the death of 21-year-old James Albright who died of a reported gunshot wound Monday in the city. The victim was brought by private auto to Good Samaritan Health Center around 9:15 p.m. Monday night, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Shortly after arriving, he was pronounced dead. The shooting allegedly occurred in the 400 block of 7th St. Twenty-year-old Allen Bybee is in custody for the shooting. He has been charged with negligent handling of a dangerous weapon resulting in death. In court papers, Bybee described Albright as his best friend.