WJMT

Merrill's Hometown Voice

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As the result of an on-going investigation by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, Kevin Short, Merrill High School Band Director, has been placed on a non-disciplinary paid administrative leave pending the outcome of said investigation.

 Mr. Short and the district are cooperating to the fullest extent with the Lincoln County Sherriff’s Department during its investigation.

 Elli Wilk, Elementary Music Teacher, will lead marching band students this summer during Mr. Short’s leave of absence.

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Lincoln County Sheriff Jeff Jaeger is releasing the names of the officers involved in the critical incident from last week. They are Sgt. Investigator Brian Kingsley who has been employed by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for 24 years and Sgt. Investigator Randy Ruleau II who has been employed by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for 9 years.

50 year old Scot Minard of Eagle River was shot and killed after an hour long standoff with police in Lincoln County, east of Merrill. The incident began just after 6 a.m. on Tuesday July 26th when Minard was pulled over by an Antigo Police Officer. Minard allegedly shot at that officer, Patrolman Joseph Husnick, and then fled west towards Merrill. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Officers joined the chase, along with Husnick and a Langlade County Deputy.

All four officers returned fire after Minard shot at them after exiting his car. Those four officers are now on administrative leave while the DCI continues to investigate.

Sheriff Jaeger does not anticipate any new information coming out until the completion of DCI’s investigation.

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Police involved Shooting

The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), at the request of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Langlade County Sheriff’s Office, and Antigo Police Department, has been leading the investigation of an officer-involved death (OID) that took place on the morning of July 26, 2016.

 The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Antigo Police Department with a high-speed pursuit after an Antigo Police Officer was shot at during a traffic stop in the City of Antigo. The chase continued into Lincoln County and the suspect’s vehicle was stopped by a tire-deflation device on Hillview Road in the Township of Pine River. The suspect remained armed during an hour-long standoff and eventually fired his weapon at law enforcement officers.  Four law enforcement officers returned fire, striking and killing the suspect.

The four officers, who have all been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation, will remain unnamed at this time but include:

·         2 Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies 24 years in law enforcement and 9 years in law enforcement, respectively

·         1 Langlade County Sheriff’s Deputy, 6 months of experience

·         1 Antigo Police Officer, 5 years of experience

The decedent has been identified as Scot A. Minard 50 of Eagle River, WI. He was transported to Madison where an autopsy will be conducted.

The Wisconsin DOJ-led investigation of this incident has been a collaboration between DCI, the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, and the University of Wisconsin Hospital who will conduct the autopsy. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Langlade County Sheriff’s Office, and Antigo Police Department have been fully cooperating with DCI during this investigation.

 DCI is continuing to determine the facts of this incident and will turn over investigative reports and evidence to the Lincoln County District Attorney when the investigation concludes.

 No additional information is available at this time.

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The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office says that a white male was shot and killed after a high speed pursuit early this morning.

The chase began in Langlade County after the suspect reportedly fired at an Antigo Police Officer during a traffic stop. The suspect vehicle was eventually stopped on Hillview Rd in the Town of Pine River after a tire deflation device was deployed sometime after 6 a.m. 

Sheriff Jeff Jaeger says that the suspect exited the vehicle, but remained armed during an hour stand off. He said officers engaged in dialogue with the suspect in an effort to end the stand off peacefully. It ended when the suspect was shot and killed. 

Following protocol, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is being investigated. State law requires the Department of Justice to investigate cases in which police have killed someone and to prepare reports for prosecutors to review. 

Squads from Oneida, Marathon and Lincoln Counties were gathered near the cordoned off Hillview Road and a Salvation Army disaster services truck was assisting officers. 

More details on the case will be released at a later time.

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Century Farm Presentation at the 2016 Lincoln County Fair.

During a ceremony at the Lincoln County Fair on Friday, July 22, 2016, Warren and Lois Latzig, owners of the farm located at NE ¼ SW ¼ Sec 14 T31 N R7E in the Town of Pine River were presented the Merrill Historical Society Century Farm Award. The certificate was presented by Merrill Historical Society president, Bea Lebal, and Century Farm committee chairperson, Bob Gruling.

To qualify for this award, the farm (in whole or part) must be in continuous family ownership for 100 years. Also, the title of the property must be held by a blood relative of the original owner, or a legally adopted child of a descendant. Continuous residence on the property is not required, but the title to the property must be continuous. Families qualifying for the award also receive a certificate from the state.

At the ceremony, the Latzig family, with the help of a large photograph / information board, told the audience of over fifty friends, relatives and neighbors about the history of their farm. After the presentation, it became obvious that knowledge of the past can very well give us a greater understanding and appreciation of ourselves and our lives today.

The following account about the Latzig century farm was written by Lois Latzig and her daughter Debra (Latzig) Borelli:

The 125 year old Latzig farm, owned by Warren Sr. and Lois Latzig, is located at W3193 Hillview Road in the Township of Pine River. The homestead fields lie along the Pine River in a mixture of flat land and small hills. The east and south sides of the property are surrounded by large hills covered with forestland.

History of Ownership:

Heinrich and Johanna (Denow) Latzig: May 23, 1891 - January 8, 1909 Henry and Augusta Latzig: January 8, 1909 - September 2, 1929 Walter A. and Elly Latzig: September 2, 1929 - February 11, 1970 Warren E. and Lois Latzig: February 11, 1970 - Present

First Generation - Heinrich and Johanna (Denow) Latzig In 1882, Heinrich and Johanna Latzig emigrated from Bremen, Germany to the United States. On May 18, 1882, they arrived in Baltimore, Maryland on the ship S.S. Leipzig with their six children. They had three sons, Henry, Julius, William, and three daughters (names unknown).

They homesteaded 80 acres in the Township of Pine River. The Homestead Certificate was signed on May 23, 1891 by President Benjamin Harrison.

The first home and barn they built were destroyed by the Pine River fire on September 14, 1893. Henry tried to fight the fire while his parents Heinrich and Johanna went to the river for safety. A new barn and cement block home were then built at a different location on the homestead.

On January 8, 1909, ownership of the Latzig homestead was transferred to their son Henry. Heinrich and Johanna continued to live on the farm with Henry and his family until their death.

Second Generation - Henry and Augusta (Krueger) Latzig Henry Latzig, also known as Emil August Heinrich Latzig, was born on April 30, 1866 in Germany. Henry came to America in 1882 with his parents, whom he lived with on the Latzig Family Farm, helping with clearing the land and dairy farming.

He married Augusta Krueger and together they had three children, Walter A. Latzig, Erna (Latzig) Streich, and Doretta Latzig.

Augusta died on March 11, 1902 at the age of 23 from childbirth. The baby, Doretta, died 54 days later on April 10, 1902. Henry later married Minnie (Danker) Latzig who helped with the farm and raising Henry’s two young children.

In 1924, the barn was destroyed by a fire and a new one was then built. Henry would continue to live on the family farm until his death on September 2, 1929. After Henry’s death, the farm was transferred to his son, Walter A. Latzig. Minnie later remarried and moved away from the farm. She passed away on July 7, 1975.

Third Generation - Walter A. and Elly (Krajewski) Latzig Walter A. Latzig was born on October 27, 1899 in Merrill, Wisconsin. He was the son of Henry and Augusta (Krueger) Latzig. He dairy farmed and logged with his father Henry on the farm.

Walter married Elly Krajewski on June 2, 1926 in Merrill. Elly emigrated from Germany in 1923 with her parents, Carl and Ida Krajewski, and siblings, Fred and Erna.

Walter and Elly moved to Milwaukee for a short time after their wedding. They returned to the Latzig Family Farm to live and dairy farm with Henry and Minnie.

Walter and Elly had four children, Frederick Sr., Walter Jr., Warren Sr., and Joyce (Latzig) Peterson.

On March 9, 1933, their cement block house was destroyed by a fire. A new brick house was built on the same foundation and is the house that remains today. During Walter Sr. and Elly’s time on the farm, they purchased 280 acres and the “Julius Latzig” farm, an additional 120 acres located adjacent to the property. This increased the size of the farm to a total of 480 acres for growing crops and dairy farming.

Walter Sr. and Elly continued to farm until his death on January 7, 1951. After his death, Elly continued to dairy farm with her son, Warren Latzig Sr. until 1959 when she moved to a house in Merrill. Warren and his wife, Lois, continued to live on the farm after Elly moved. On February 11, 1970, Warren and Lois purchased the family farm from Elly.

Fourth Generation - Warren E. Latzig Sr. and Lois (Bennett) Latzig Warren E. Latzig Sr. was born February 10, 1931 in Merrill, Wisconsin. Before he was married, he worked on the family farm, logging and dairy farming with his father and mother.

On June 18, 1955, Warren married Lois Bennett at St. Stephens United Church of Christ in Merrill. The wedding reception and dance were held on the Latzig Family Farm.

Warren and Lois lived on the family farm with their three children, Warren A. Jr., Douglas, and Debra (Latzig) Borelli. The land was used for raising beef cattle and growing winter wheat, sunflowers, potatoes, and Christmas trees. Some of the land was also rented for growing ginseng.

While growing Christmas trees, Warren also worked construction, was the owner of Warren Latzig and Sons Excavating, co-owner of Peterson and Latzig Company, and co-owner of Merrill Pavers. Lois worked for the Merrill School District as a teacher, aide, secretary, and, after retirement, as a substitute teacher.

In 1971, the barn was destroyed by a tornado and a new barn was built in the spring of 1972. A new garage was built attached to the house in the fall of 1972.

Warren Sr. and Lois are both retired and still living on the farm. Warren Sr. has lived on the property his entire life - 85 years and counting. They are blessed with six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Warren and Lois have passed on some of the farmland to their children who continue the tradition of growing Christmas trees on the homestead.

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The City Of Merrill Common Council will meet this (Tuesday) evening at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Two public hearings are on the agenda. The first is on the potential vacation of an alley near the former Lincoln House site. The second is on the potential vacation of a portion of Meadow Lane. There will be a site plan review for the Merrill Enrichment Center/Expo Hall. 

On the agenda are the recommended approval of class “B” licenses allowing for the sale of fermented beverages at the 11th Annual fast Pitch tournament July 22-24 at the MARC and a request from Humphrey’s Pub to close off Genesee Street beginning at 5 p.m. on Crazy Daze, August 11, allowing for outdoor music and the sale of alcoholic beverages outdoors.  

The Park and Rec Commission recommends taking $75,000 from the $150,000 reallocated from the cancelled P&R maintenance building project for the Enrichment Center/Expo Hall building in order to fund the shortfall in the Normal Park Restroom Project due to a major price increase. This would require raising an additional $75,000 in donations to fund the Enrichment Center, or find alternative funding for the restrooms. Restrooms have become a necessity due to increased usage of Normal Park. 

Personnel and Finance Committee recommends approving the wording of the November 8th referendum question to read, “Should the elected office of Merrill Street Commissioner be eliminated?” 

The redevelopment authority recommends consider purchase of 401 West Main Street & adjacent parking lots from RD Properties of Wisconsin, LLC for a maximum of $140,000 using TID #8 funding. The RDA also recommends approval of the implementation of TIF Loan Program for environmental review and demolition of vacant commercial or manufacturing buildings. 

Ordinances include a recommendation from Personnel and Finance to pay all citizen members of committees equally, $15 per meeting; an ordinance amending the definition of a dangerous weapon to include knives with a 3 inch blade or larger; and an ordinance to allow ATV and UTV traffic on Hwy. K/Center Ave., north of East Sixth Street. 

Resolutions would vacate a portion of the alley at the former Lincoln House site and a part of Meadow Lane. A resolution would authorize the Public Works Director to file application for financial assistance from state of Wisconsin Environmental Improvement Fund. And a resolution on advance land acquisition loan and responsibility and performance notes related to improvements at the Merrill Municipal Airport. Mayor Bialecki is bringing this resolution directly to the Common Council.

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On Friday, June 17th, 2016 Sheriff Jeff Jaeger joined officials at Ministry Sacred Heart Hospital as they recognized emergency responders from Tomahawk EMS and Sacred Heart along with Deputy Dan Heisel for saving the life of a Tomahawk man.

During the early morning hours of May 6th, 2016 the victim, Curtis Garrison, phoned 911 and told the operator he was short of breath. After providing that information Garrison collapsed.

Deputy Dan Heisel was on patrol a few miles away and heard the dispatch for Tomahawk EMS to respond to the scene which was north of Tomahawk in the Town of Bradley. Deputy Heisel arrived at the Garrison home three minutes later at the same time as Shawn Black, a paramedic from Tomahawk EMS who was off duty and on his way to work.   Black had heard the call and stopped with Heisel, hoping to render assistance.

When Heisel and Black approached the house they found Garrison collapsed inside the foyer. They made entry into the home, removed him out on the front lawn, and began life saving measures including CPR.

When Tomahawk EMS arrived on the scene seven minutes after the call Paramedic Valerie Caylor and EMT Adam Loka found that the victim had regained pulses and was breathing on his own. By the time the victim was loaded into a helicopter he was talking.

On Friday, Curtis Garrison joined Sheriff Jaeger as he presented Deputy Heisel with his agency's Life Saving Award. Paramedic Black was also recognized for his efforts that morning.

In presenting the award Sheriff Jaeger recognized Deputy Heisel and the entire emergency team by stating, "The actions of all of these responders clearly demonstrates what we see every day in Wisconsin, when ordinary people using their superb skills and training get together and do extraordinary things. Because of the action of these people gathered here this morning a life has been saved. We are very blessed to have such dedicated individuals and wonderful emergency services in our community."

Pictured is: (L-R) Chief Deputy Walrath, Curt Garrison, Deputy Dan Heisel and Sheriff Jeff Jaeger presenting the award in the same room in which Garrison was treated at Ministry Sacred Heart Hospital.

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The Community Warming Center Committee and the Merrill Area United Way officially received notice to vacate the Homeless Warming Center that has operated for the past two years.

The Community Warming Center had been located at 301 West Main Street in the former Auto Drive through building of the old Lincoln County Bank Buildings. The Merrill Housing Authority fully supported the United Way in that location, which they own and have provided it rent free.

The Merrill Housing Authority is now embracing their new expansion project, and the Auto Bank Building will be vacated by June 30th.

It is the intention of the Committee to put furniture and other items into storage until they can find another suitable facility for the purpose of sheltering the homeless during the cold winter months. During the two seasons of operation, the United Way have served more than 20 people.

The United Way is issuing a plea to the community to consider other potential sites. They are seeking a facility with a minimum of 800 square feet, small kitchen area--allowing the warming center to offer hot and cold beverages, as well as light snacks (though meals are not provided)--bathroom(s), washer/dryer hookup, storage, a partition area for office/volunteers and parking for 4-5 vehicles.

For further information or to help fulfill the needs of making this warming center functional, please contact the Merrill Area United Way office, 715-536-2016 or email [email protected].

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New information has come out regarding the departure of Merrill Area Public Schools Superintendent Wally Liepart and Assistant Superintendent Michelle Jahnke, after local news agencies filed open records requests. 

The information released included performance evaluations, personnel files, resignation letters, separation agreements and any information related to the investigation that placed the schools top two administrators on leave in mid-April. By April 30th, both had turned in their letters of resignation. 

In agreeing to leave the district, both Liepart and Jahnke received severance pay which included unused vacation; Liepart walking away with $23,000 and Jahnke with $19,000. Per the agreement neither is allowed to take legal action against the district, and Board President Jen Seliger will write letters of recommendation for both. 

For the first time the two have been linked via text messages. In the released messages, some parts of the conversation were blacked out because they were, “personal in nature.” Each referred to the other as “baby” at one point in the conversation with Jahnke asking, “Baby are we going to be okay?” 

The text exchange occurred on April 17th, two days before being placed on administrative leave. Leipart telling Jahnke, “I think it’s a matter of keeping the story straight with Jen and Jeff as well.” Jen, being Jen Seliger the board president, and Jeff, the recently retired vice-president. 

Liepart added, “We are friends that talked about our personal struggles but at no time did we think one or the other was really going to do something.” Jahnke replied, “And at no time have we been involved as well.”

Court records indicate that Jahnke’s spouse filed for divorce on April 22nd, three days after both were placed on leave. Liepart’s spouse also filed for divorce days later. 

Director of Pupil Services, Dr. John Sample has been leading the district on an interim basis. Earlier this week the school board reviewed 30 applications for the superintendent’s position and the board will meet again on Monday to narrow down the list of candidates.

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Think back to when you were an 8th grade student, did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up?  Or better yet, did you really know what types of jobs where available in your hometown?  Times have certainly changed and kids are thinking about these questions younger and younger.  But more importantly, so our businesses and school districts throughout Wisconsin.

 On May 20 the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce teamed up with Prairie River Middle School and shuttled 200 eighth grade students all over Merrill to visit and tour local businesses for the chamber’s 20/20 Vision Program thanks in part to our sponsors Lincoln Wood Products and Church Mutual Insurance.

 The 20/20 Vision Program is part of the chamber’s Workforce Development Program and was designed to be their contribution to the state chamber’s Future Wisconsin Project.  The Future Wisconsin Project is taking a look at and asking for programming with chamber’s and businesses all over Wisconsin that looks 20 years into the future. Wisconsin like Merrill has a high aging population percentage and the project is trying to come up with ways to attract, recruit and keep our younger population in Wisconsin to work and raise their families.

 In Merrill, students take part in several great programs such as The Heavy Metal Bus Tour in the fall and NorthCentral Technical College’s Career Day in the spring, but neither of these programs is Merrill specific.  So the chamber designed a program that could get PRMS 8th graders into Merrill businesses to hear and see all the different types of jobs available to them following graduation and/or higher education training in hopes that the students will one day return to Merrill to raise their families.

 “The more education and exposure that the students have at a younger age the more likely they will become familiar with all of the great job opportunities that are available in their own backyards”, said Debbe Kinsey, Merrill Chamber of Commerce CEO.  “The kids were traveling all over the area to see what other manufacturing jobs were available in other communities, but not in Merrill.  We have great manufacturers and so many more other job opportunities right here, so we wanted to showcase Merrill only to our own students”.

 As part of the school curriculum the kids are broken down into 16 broad Career Clusters based on their interests and aptitudes.  Under the 20/20 Program the kids were able to be divided into 15 of those career clusters.  Those clusters included Agricultural, Food, Natural Resources; Architecture & Construction; Arts, AV Tech & Communications; Business Management & Administration; Education; Finance; Government & Public Administration; Health; Hospitality & Tourism; Human Services; Information Technology; Law, Public Safety & Corrections; Manufacturing; Marketing; and Transportation & Distribution.

 Merrill businesses were eager to participate and talk to the students about the different career options in the broad career clusters and give talks and/or tours of their facilities.  The businesses that opened their doors to the students included:  the Hans Breitenmoser Farm, the Merrill Waste Water Treatment Facility, Reindl Printing, WJMT Radio, Church Mutual Insurance, T.B. Scott Library, The City of Merrill, Merrill Fire Department, Merrill Police Department, Ministry Good Samaritan Health Care Center, AmericInn, Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln County Health Department, Lincoln County Social Services, Lincoln Wood Products, and the Merrill Airport.  These tours and talks helped to broaden the student’s knowledge about the types of jobs available in Merrill and it surprised many of them.

 Following the tours the students had the opportunity to take part in a survey regarding their field trip asking the students to rate how much they knew about the business before the trip and how much they knew after the trip.  The resounding response was that they now knew more about the business and the types of jobs available in those broad fields following the trip.  The survey also asked the students what businesses they would be interested in learning more about and they listed quite a few. Some of this information will be used for planning next year’s tours.  The teachers will be helping the students next year to define their career choices more specifically so that the student-businesses matches will be even more interesting to the participants.

 The second phase of the program is still in the modeling phase, but is a mentoring project that will match interested 9th grade students with business mentors who will follow them through high school to see if the students career fields change or become more defined and what their post graduation plans will be in 2020.

 “Overall we are very pleased with the 20/20 Vision Programs inaugural launch”, concluded Kinsey.  “Working with Gerald Beyer and his team of teachers and counselors was a great experience and they were as excited about getting the students out into our community as I was.  Sometimes it is difficult to see all the options and programs that are right here in our own backyards because we are too close.  I hope that the 20/20 Vision Program will be able to highlight and enlighten both the kids and adults to all the great opportunities that exist right here in Merrill.”

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Deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office along with Officers from the Merrill Police Department have wrapped up a large investigation which cleared up several property crimes being investigated by both agencies.

The investigation began after the Merrill Police Department was notified of burglaries at the cattle barn and brick yard school house at the fairgrounds. Officers learned forced entry was used to gain access to both buildings and over $7000 worth of tools were stolen from a trailer inside of the barn.

Merrill Police then learned that one of the suspects was living in a home on Moritzville Ave in the Town of Merrill. When they tried to seek a search warrant to check the home officers found the home's owner was listed as the United State Department of Housing and Urban Development. Research which began at the Sheriff's Office led investigators to learn the home was foreclosed on in 2013 and sold and sheriff's sale in early 2014.

Deputies then learned since then the actual owners left and HUD, the original lien holder on the house took over, five people, a 20 year old male, a 23 year old female, a 27 year old male, a 28 year old woman, a 32 year old female, were squatting at the house for over a year.

When law enforcement officers served a search warrant on the home on May 12th, the 32 year old woman was arrested on warrant charges through Jefferson and Kenosha Counties. She along with the 20 year old Merrill man were identified as the burglary suspects. Deputies are seeking charges on all involved in the matter for criminal trespass to a dwelling, they are also seeking criminal charges to at least two property crimes that occurred in Lincoln County.

The 20 year old man who now lists an address in Tomahawk remains jailed on a probation hold. He was charged in Lincoln County Court with two counts of burglary and felony theft, a Lincoln County Judge set a signature bond in that case.

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The Personnel and Finance Committee met last evening in the City Hall Council Chambers. Items on the agenda included a request to review possible additional compensation for members of the street department who are placed in supervisory roles whether it be on a project or to cover the absence of a supervisor. Long time street commissioner Kortney Pike spoke of the supervisory roles that non supervisor members of the street department took part in and how past city rules allowed for them to be compensated for their efforts. City administrator Dave Johnson countered that the street department has a policy in place to reward employees in the case of a long term absence but felt there was no need to compensate the workers for any other duties. When asked about the current policy Johnson admitted he did not have it with him and the committee eventually voted to table the measure until Johnson could bring the policies he set in place regarding additional compensation. An item regarding payment for the long term lease of a tract of land for an existing cell tower brought controversy to the meeting. Administrator Johnson explained that the easement was to give permanent easement to the small parcel to Tower-Co who already has a tower in place at the former Page Milk site. This tower replaced the cell phone antennas which were mounted on the water tower at Page Milk. The water tower was removed by a contractor hired by the city to demolish the idle factory. Johnson explained the original offer for the easement was $235,000 which has since been increased to $261,000 based on projections from the city on the revenue Tower-CO is going to make off of the tower by leasing space to other companies. Johnson explained the original agreement with the River Bend Trail Committee called for any monthly rent made from the tower lease go back to the River Bend Trail for maintenance and expansion of the trail. That amount was estimated to be around $1500 per month. Now that the city has the option to sell a permanent easement Johnson noted the River Bend Trail was supposed to get the lump sum, but he wanted $100,000 held back and put in reserve in case the River Bend Trail Committee failed to exist in ten years. Johnson felt that money could then be converted to city use for maintenance to the trail. Several members of the River Bend Trail group spoke including Gene Bebel and former Lincoln County Judge J. Michael Nolan. They asked the committee to honor the contract and give them the entire amount assuring them they were heavily invested in the trail and the city did not do reserve funds for items such as the new aquatic center or the pavilion being installed at the trails end. Attorney James Wedemeyer also noted the city was not following through with their obligations to provide the trail committee with a monthly maintenance expense report but the request for that report which was made in July of 2015 was finally fulfilled last week, after a wait of eleven months. The committee did vote to accept the agreement from Tower-Co for the permanent easement with all revenue going to the River Bend Trail group, as the city had previously agreed on. That item is now headed to the council floor during their next monthly meeting on June 14. Should all citizen members of city committees be paid equally? That question will remain unanswered for at least a month. The agenda packet noted that most city committees paid its non-elected members $15 per meeting, a few paid $7.50 a meeting and three of them (the library committee, the redevelopment authority and the housing authority), got paid nothing. One alderman expressed surprise saying he was not aware some committees were not being paid, much less not equally. The committee agreed to investigate what Lincoln County is paying their committee members and after that information is received they will move ahead with providing perhaps similar compensation. That agenda item was held over for a future meeting. The final action on the agenda was seeking the creation of a full time drug investigator which a current city police officer would be appointed to, requiring the hiring of a new officer to take the promoted officers place. First ward alderman and committee member Paul Russell spoke of the city councils April introductory meeting where a veteran sheriff's deputy and drug officer spoke of the growing drug problem in Lincoln County. Russell called the talk both professional and intriguing regarding the drug trade in the area. Chief Ken Neff elaborated more on his report to the committee noting currently due to lack of staff and budget funding, his officers are only acting in a reactionary role to the drug problem, not being pro-active. Committee member and 8th ward alderman Tim Meehan agreed there was an issue, but stated as an alderman his first job is to be pro-active with the budget and he felt it would be useless to hire a police officer only to have to lay them off in 2017 due to lack of funds. Mayor Bill Bialecki asked the chief for a frank answer: is the cities drug problem growing out of control? Chief Neff responded that because his officers cannot be pro-active it appears to be snowballing, noting just today (Tuesday), one of his officers was again collecting dirty syringes found on a city street, syringes most likely discarded by an IV drug user. Neff also noted in speaking with neighboring police chiefs this isn't just a Merrill problem as Antigo is also finding dirty needles all over town. The chief had also noted in his report to the committee that property crimes such as theft have increased greatly and he is afraid the heroine epidemic would soon join the spiraling methamphetamine problem the city already faces. Mayor Bialecki noted the investigator at the sheriff's office assigned to drug enforcement has been tied up securing over a dozen indictments in federal court related to the meth trade and there is no real pro-active drug enforcement taking place in the Merrill area. Chief Neff agreed, noting his department was not able to assist with the large federal case due to lack of officers and budget constraints. City finance director Kathy Uneratl noted the retirement of a police lieutenant and fuel savings could pay for the investigator spot this year. She hinted the city could be on the verge of selling a large asset to a private investor which would bring a large cash flow of money to the city, but she did not elaborate on what that property is, or the time table for selling it. Before the discussion ended Mayor Bialecki urged the committee to take action saying this was one of the top items citizens bring to him and he is upset with children finding dirty needles in city parks.

6th ward alderman Mary Ball is not on the committee but she spoke on the possibility that the city hire a community oriented officer to free officers up to pursue drug matters, but Chief Neff said the duties that position could absorb would not have the desired free time for his officers to be pro-active. In the end the committee tabled the matter until the city finance director could provide a more firm future on the city's finances. The budget for 2017 and beyond already has extra staff on board as the city hired an engineer last year at a yearly rate of $95,000 and an administrative assistant for the fire department.

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Ministry Good Samaritan Named Top Twenty Critical Access Hospital

(Merrill, WI) — Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center was recently named one of the 20 highest ranked critical access hospitals (CAHs) in the country by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA).

The Top 20 CAHs selection was based on nine indices of strength as determined by iVantage health Analytics: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, population risk, cost, charge, quality, outcomes, patient perspectives, and financial stability. This group was selected from iVantage’s Top 100 CAH list, released earlier this year.

“This recognition is the direct result of the tireless dedication of our associates and clinicians to provide high-quality services,” said Jackie Frombach, director of patient care services and operations and Ministry Good Samaritan.  “We have worked hard to establish a culture of continuous improvement for the benefit of our patients as we strive to meet the changing needs of our community.”

Frombach cites advancements in Telemedicine, a Hospitalist program which oversees care for hospitalized patients and expansion of key services like diagnostic imaging, cardiopulmonary and respiratory therapy as key contributors to the recognition.

CAHs are certified to receive cost-based reimbursement from Medicare. The reimbursement they receive is intended to improve their financial performance and thereby reduce hospital closures. Each hospital must review its own situation to determine if CAH status would be advantageous. CAHs are certified under a different set of Medicare conditions of participation that are more flexible than those of other acute care hospitals.

Ministry Good Samaritan is one of two CAHs in the Ministry Health Care system to earn top 20 designations as Ministry Door County Medical Center, Sturgeon Bay also made the list. Ministry Health Care is a member of Ascension Health, the nation’s largest Catholic and non-profit health system.

“NRHA is committed to ensuring our members have the best information to manage their hospitals,” said Brock Slabach, NRHA membership services senior vice president. “And we’re pleased to recognize the accomplishments of these rural hospitals.”

Leaders from Ministry Good Samaritan will be honored at an awards ceremony during the NRHA’s CAHs Conference in September in Kansas City, Mo.

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TOMAHAWK, Wis. (May 24, 2016) – Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett presented a $30,000 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant to the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce for its new market research campaign aimed at developing a brand strategy for the region. The Chamber anticipates the marketing program generated by the research will increase tourism expenditures in Tomahawk by nearly $4.2 million.

“We are thrilled to support the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce in their efforts create a cohesive branding and marketing strategy,” said Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. “The best marketing efforts are based on solid research. This JEM Grant will help the area take the first steps towards a plan to attract more travelers to the area and showcase the many attractions Tomahawk has to offer.”

In fiscal 2015, the Department funded 59 Joint Effort Marketing projects, awarding a total of more than $1.1 million. Visitor expenditures driven by the marketing from these projects will exceed $31 million. In 2015, the tourism economy in Wisconsin totaled $19.3 billion, a more than four percent increase over 2014. Business sales in Lincoln County totaled $83.6 million in 2015, supporting 699 jobs and $5.6 million in state and local taxes.

Grant funds will go towards focus groups and online surveys for the Chamber’s market research initiatives. The Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce aims to assess visitor perceptions and travel habits for the area’s attractions in order to develop a creative brand strategy and marketing program.

“Tomahawk and the surrounding areas are excited to pull together to research and properly position the region to further capitalize on the lakes, trail systems, parks, and resources that attract residents and tourists to our beautiful area,” said Jesica Witte, Executive Director of the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce.  “The Department of Tourism and this grant opportunity have provided a catalyst to our community leaders excited to work together to make this happen for Tomahawk.”

JEM grant funds are available to non-profit organizations for the promotion of Wisconsin tourism events and destinations. The state can fund up to 75 percent of a project's first-year advertising and marketing costs, and provide support for second- and third-year projects with decreasing amounts for funding until projects become self-sustaining. For information on the JEM Program and application materials, visithttp://industry.travelwisconsin.com.

The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the State as the Midwest’s premier travel destination for fun by executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships. The Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin. The portal for traveler information can be found at: www.travelwisconsin.com.

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Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking

 MERRILL – During this season of social gatherings for youth, a reminder from the Lincoln County Health Department and Merrill Police Department to parents who may want to host a post-prom or post-graduation party and serve alcohol:  Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking.

Now through June, the Lincoln County Health Department and Merrill Police Department are raising awareness about the health and safety risks of serving alcohol at teen parties.

In addition to public events and educational displays around the community sponsored by the Lincoln County Health Department and Merrill Police Department will be conducting alcohol age compliance checks to ensure taverns, liquor stores, and other places that sell alcohol comply with laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol products to individuals under age 21.

The “Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don’t be a party to teenage drinking” campaign was developed by the Drug Free Action Alliance. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has partnered with the Drug Free Action Alliance since 2009 to provide this program annually to over 40 local coalitions statewide.

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The Never Forgotten Honor Flight organization based in Wausau will fly six veterans of the Korean War and 92 Vietnam War era veterans from central and northern Wisconsin to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials that honor their service on Monday, May 16, 2016. It’s the organization’s 24th flight since the first Never Forgotten Honor Flight took place April 27, 2010.  Monday’s flight is being sponsored by Marathon Cheese Corporation, Marathon, WI. 

 Fifty-six guardians will accompany the vets on the one-day round trip that departs Central Wisconsin Airport at 7 a.m. and is scheduled to return at approximately 10 p.m. The public is invited to the Central Wisconsin Airport to welcome the veterans home Monday night, and Honor Flight officials recommend arriving no later than 8:30 p.m. Free parking for those welcoming the veterans home will be provided.

 Lincoln County Veterans on Monday’s Never Forgotten Honor Flight all served in Vietnam. They include Ward Gremler, Reinold Lenz, Gerald Oestrich, Wayne Polak, all of Merrill; Calvin Doering of Gleason; Richard Colborn, Gerald Dvorak and Thomas Hildebrand, all of Tomahawk.

 After Monday’s trip, the Never Forgotten Honor Flight will have taken 2,098 veterans to Washington, D.C. during the past five years. Additional trips are scheduled for September 12, and October 10, 2016. Any veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War era are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.

 Veterans receive a free round-trip flight, and guardians pay $500 for the opportunity to accompany one or two veterans on the trip. Veterans and guardians interested in taking a future Honor Flight must complete an application at: www.neverforgottenhonorflight.org or contact the organization at 715.573.8519. The veterans are selected based upon the order in which their applications are received and the conflict they served in. Preference is given to World War II veterans, then Korea Veterans and then Vietnam veterans. Veterans who are terminally ill, regardless of when they served, are also given preference. Guardians should be 18-69 years old and able to lend physical assistance to the veterans. Completed applications for veterans and guardians also can be mailed to Never Forgotten Honor Flight, P.O. Box 5056 Wausau, WI 54402-5056.

 North Central Wisconsin’s Never Forgotten Honor Flight is the nation’s 77th regional hub and one of six Wisconsin Honor Flight hubs. The Wausau-based organization was certified by the National Honor Flight Network office in Springfield, Ohio on December 11, 2009.

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The search for a new superintendent of the Merrill Area Public Schools has begun.

Director of Human Resources Cindy Heinz tells WJMT that the position has been posted to various professional education job boards. She said the goal is to set up interviews for the week after school lets out, and that the community will be involved in the process.

When asked if the assistant superintendent position was posted, Heinz said that the position was that of the Director of Curriculum, and that Prairie River Middle School Principal Gerald Beyer had stepped up to fill that position on an interim basis. She said the new superintendent will be involved in the selection of an assistant superintendent.

Earlier this week superintendent Wally Liepart and Assistant Superintendent Michelle Jahnke both resigned while under investigation by the school board. Both Liepart and Jahnke had been on paid leave while the board conducted the investigation. Their resignations essentially ended the probe, and the public may never find out what alleged wrong-doing was being investigated.