Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr
6-28-78
The race to 14,000 is complete and Joel T. Schmidt stands alone as the 14,000th baby to be born at Holy Cross Hospital. This last week Marie Laabs in the OB department noticed the file numbers were about to hit 14,000 so when Maratha Phelps hit the door last Wednesday the even money was that she would give birth to the record setting baby. Then along came Sally Schmidt that same afternoon and the waiting game was on to see which mother would be the first into the delivery room. It took until Thursday afternoon but along came Joel with Dr. Geoffrey Kloster on hand along with Laabs and Dorothy Gibson, administrative assistant. Sally and Thomas Schmidt received a $25 savings bond in recognition of the event. Kristin Phelps was birth number 14,001 coming along about an hour and a half later while Brad Bonnell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bonnell, was number 13,999. The hospital records on average 200 births a year which leads staff to believe number 15,000 should come around about 1983. The first baby ever to don baby “Boots” in Holy Cross was Bonnie Jean (Veronica) Hudzinski, now known as Mrs. Edward Zwirchitz; she came along in 1926 nearly a year after the hospital opened its doors.
Three escapees from Lincoln Hills School did not get too far after breaking out of their cottage Monday night. A coordinated effort between Lincoln Hills’ staff and deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office kept the trio in an area off of County Rd. J near Nelson Road for the 24 hours of freedom they had. The three broke into the Bethany Lutheran Church but apparently took nothing. The first escapee was found around 10:30 Tuesday morning and by early evening all three had been returned according to Edwin Sybeldon, acting superintendent.
D. John English has announced he is challenging Florian Koehler for the position of Treasurer of Lincoln County. Koehler was appointed to fill the unexpired term of William Degner in 1969 and has been elected every two years since then. English is a veteran of the United States Army and is currently the service manager at Whitburn Motors, prior he had been the bookkeeper at the former Lindquist Motors in Merrill for 10 years. English will run as an Independent, Koehler a Republican.
Members of the Merrill Fire Department received a demonstration this past week from Carl Groth Sales in West Bend for a piece of equipment known as the “Jaws of Life.” Members of the Police and Fire Committee also viewed the demonstration and now must decide if the city will go ahead and purchase the unit for $5,400. The unit itself weighs 64 pound and is manufactured by the Hurst Company. ($21,000 in today’s money and MUCH lighter)
6-29-88
“Was ist los” at Merrill Senior High School, you ask? Bill Storm will tell you that he and 27 of his students are heading to Germany for a two week stay. Besides touring the country, students will have an opportunity to attend school with German “brothers and sisters.” Adult chaperones for the trip besides Storm include his wife Charmaine, Bob and Joey Wojtusik, Betty Tesch, Geraldine Voigt, Lorraine Trantow, Joyce Hass, Jan Bares, and Carl Muller.
Merrill appears to have taken the next step in developing an indoor sports complex. Floyd Korpi presented 500 signatures to the MAPS Board of Education this past week on behalf of the Merrill Youth Hockey Association in support of adding the sports complex resolutions to the agenda for the annual district meeting in September. Harry Osness of the Merrill Softball Association along with Merrill Mayor Ken Sparr also voiced their approval of the idea. Sparr did question ownership and maintenance of the properties. This is the second time in five years the concept has been introduced to the board of education; planners noted the increase in hockey, soccer and softball shows the need for expansion of facilities.
Good Samaritan Health Center has announced they are expanding their extended care unit. The third floor specialty area currently offers space for five patients but will soon have the capacity for 13 individuals who will use the facility’s rehabilitation services to return back home to a normal life. Lee Magnabosco, RN heads up the unit, she stated the new area has a relaxed atmosphere with patients dressing in street clothes and interacting with other patients in a community setting.
In news briefs: County Board Chair Neil LeMay was laid to rest this past Saturday after services at Grace Lutheran Church in Tomahawk. LeMay died unexpectedly at his Kings Road home this past week. The County Board will meet next month to discuss replacement for LeMay both as chair and for his 17th district seat. Skipper’s Restaurant in downtown Merrill has expanded their kitchen. Owners Bob and Signa Lambrecht are pictured this past week with their cooks Ardith Woller and Helen Tesch along with Mayor Sparr and the chamber ambassadors. The new walk in cooler and stainless steel hardware along with a grill and deep fryer will help in accommodating the customers at the popular First Street eatery. Edward Burns Post 46 of the American Legion has announced that Scott and Linda Doerr have taken over the Legion Lounge. The facility will be closed until July 13 in order to allow for the license transfer and reorganization. Locally produced Hurd Windows now has a new marketing tool touring the USA as the company’s semi trailers are being outfitted with new graphics showcasing its products. Both Fleet Owner magazine and 3M Corp honored the company for their moving billboards.
7-1-98
Those looking to save the Ward Paper Mill dam got some good news this past week as estimates to repair the dam came in considerably lower than first thought. International Papers, parent company of the former Ward Company, estimated it would cost $200,000 to bring the dam up to the new DNR standards. The company said they are willing to pay that amount if a government agency or responsible group would be willing to take ownership of the dam. Mayor Michael Caylor questioned whether IP was actually taking in all requirements set forth by the US Corp of Engineers. noting that IP so far has not turned over the report from Mead and Hunt consulting. It is estimated it will cost $25,000 a year to operate the dam.
The Merrill Water Utility has moved into its new headquarters on River Street. The new building was financed by utility money and is a considerable improvement compared to the utility’s former headquarters in the basement of city hall.
Bargains fill this week’s paper as it is Crazy Day’s next Wednesday. The theme is Pioneer Days, likely inspired by the new river rat statute which has been placed outside of the T.B. Scott Library.