Merrill Common Council honors Friends of Vincent Foundation, Haunted Sawmill

The Merrill Common Council passed a resolution on June 12, 2026, recognizing the Friends of Vincent Foundation and its Haunted Sawmill attraction for 14 years of community impact.
Resolution No. 2813, signed by Mayor Steve Hass, acknowledged the organization’s contributions to Merrill’s culture, charitable programming, and economy.
Located at 700 Hendricks Street, the Haunted Sawmill drew more than 140,000 visitors to Merrill over its run, with the Friends of Vincent Foundation channeling proceeds into a wide range of community programs. These included the Fill a Backpack program, Food for Kids, summer camps, scouting trips, and donations of food, clothing, and toys to families in need.
The resolution credits the organization’s board of directors and its volunteers — referred to in the resolution as the “Haunted Sawmill Scare Crew” — for the attraction’s reach and longevity.
While the Haunted Sawmill is no longer in operation and the props and real estate were sold in late spring of this year, the Common Council’s action formally places the Friends of Vincent Foundation and the Haunted Sawmill in Merrill’s permanent civic record, recognizing what the resolution describes as a “positive and lasting impact” on the city’s progress and culture.
The resolution was moved by Council members Rutkowski and Wiex and passed unanimously.