We welcome letters to the Editor, a chance for members of the community to comment on issues of concern to them. All letters must be original, not duplications of letters addressed to public officials or written by others. The views and opinions expressed are those of the letter writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication, its publishers, Editor, or staff.
To the Editor:
BE A RESPONSIBLE VOTER!
With so much misinformation in the political ads, you really need to be a pro-active voter. This means doing your research. FACT CHECK when you read or hear comments slandering the candidate’s opponent. There are some outrageous false claims being made. Just because you like a certain candidate does not mean what he or she claims is true. Do not be sucked in by this rhetoric of possible lies. BE INFORMED.
In the 2020 election, 27% of Wisconsin’s eligible voters could not be bothered to vote. Lame excuses such as: “My one vote won’t make any difference” or “I don’t like either candidate.” That vote IS YOUR VOICE–every vote matters! You can always vote for the “lesser of two evils.”
Please take this American privilege and responsibility seriously. VOTE with your head and heart on NOVEMBER 8.
– Dian Ritter
Merrill, Wis.
To the Editor:
To all past supporters of Merrill Winterfest Sled Dog Race:
Since 1999, the Wisconsin Trailblazers Sled Dog Club has conducted sled dog races at the Pine River School site. The races enjoyed the support of local businesses, Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce, Pine River School building site, Pine River Town Garage, and most importantly, the many landowners that allowed the race trail across their property.
After 23 years of racing in Merrill, a vote was taken to discontinue the Merrill race site. This tough decision was based on the constant severe weather conditions–mostly wind–the change to modern age farming practices, and the lack of sufficient volunteer trail help. A new site north of Gleason that is musher friendly has been inspected and approved. This new sled dog race site will still enjoy the great Merrill motel accommodations and restaurants.
Thank you, Merrill.
– WTBSD Club, Trail Coordinators Crew of Ron Behm, Duane Dittmar, and Dave Buck
Lincoln County, 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.)
*The writer must include their full name, complete address, and a phone number where he/she can be easily reached for verification. Phone numbers and street addresses will not be published, but will be used for verification purposes, if necessary. Letters must be signed and the name, city, and state will be printed.
*Letters may be edited for style, grammar, and length. Form letters or those we determine to be libelous or slanderous will not be accepted. Any letter deemed derogatory, inflammatory, or involving vulgar language will not be published. We reserve all rights to reject material submitted to this publication.
*Letters will be published on a “first come, first served” basis. Any letters which we are unable to publish in the printed newspaper may be run online at www.merrillfotonews.com and/or may be printed in the paper at a later date.
*In fairness to all, and due to space constraints, there is a limit of two letters per year from an individual writer. Additional letters may be submitted to our Paid Letters to the Editor column and will require payment in full prior to publication at the same rate as Political Letters to the Editor (see policy below).
Political Letters To The Editor Policy:
All letters submitted as an endorsement for a political candidate, referendum, or political agenda will carry the same guidelines as above; however, they will be charged $40.00 per letter of up to 250 words in length. Longer political letters will be accepted but will be charged $10.00 per additional 50 words. All political letters must be prepaid prior to printing. Letters to the Editor will not be accepted from candidates running for election or representatives of an organization endorsing their own referendum, as these are clearly advertisements and not opinion letters; those submissions will be referred to our Advertising Department to be run as paid ads.