The Devil’s Creek Stump Jumpers Snowmobile Club was established in 1973 on the south side of Merrill to connect up with the statewide trail system, which began in 1969 with the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs. Next year will mark the Club’s 50th year. The Stump Jumpers are responsible for 30 miles of trails in the south and west areas of Merrill.
Getting the trails ready for the winter season each year takes a lot of time and dedication from club members. Each fall, club members volunteer their time to connect with landowners to verify and establish trails. Hours are spent clearing brush, trees, and obstacles from the trails and putting up proper signage. Once the snow comes and the creeks and swamps freeze, many additional hours are put in rolling and panning to get the trails ready for safe riding.
Besides grooming and maintaining the trails, club members feel strongly about supporting the Merrill community. This year the club elected to support four local charities with monetary donations, which included the Merrill Food Bank and the Veterans Military Ride. The Veterans Military Ride was held on Jan. 17 in Eagle River and is designed to thank Veterans for their service and to grow the sport of snowmobiling by introducing them to a winter sport that is safe and fun for the whole family.
Friday, Jan. 21, the Devils Creek Stump Jumpers Snowmobile Club of Southern Lincoln County presented a donation in the amount of $100, in support of Sleds ‘N Jams 2022 and the McCaskill Family of Merrill.
The fourth donation was given to snowmobiler Tyler Siemen who is participating in the Valentine 500 Mile Snowmobile Ride which is a part of Snowball Cancer 2022, a group of volunteers that will attempt to ride 500+ miles in one day! The money raised will go to the Keller Family Community Foundation to support their mission.
In past years, the Devil’s Creek Stump Jumpers have also supported the Never Forgotten Honor Flight for Wisconsin’s World War II veterans, Kippenberg Creek Kids, and the Wisconsin Special Olympics.
More information about supporting or joining the Devil’s Creek Stump Jumpers can be found on their Facebook page or www.devilscreek.org.