Fotos from the Past

9-20-72

The plans for a wading pool alongside Merrill's outdoor pool got a major boost this past week after two local donations covered ¾ of the estimated expenses. Pictured presenting the donations to Mayor Ralph "Fata" Voigt and Park and Recreation Director Don Bolden are J. Michael Nolan, president of the Merrill Lions Club, and Dieter Nickel, president of the Church Mutual Corporation. Both organizations each donated $2500; an estimated $7500 will be needed to complete the project.

The Merrill Blue Jay football team disposed of winless Shawano and will face Marshfield this upcoming Saturday. Bob Grunenwald, Phil English, and Todd King all teamed up with quarterback Steve Dahm to lead the offense. This week's contest against Marshfield has been defined as a revenge game after Marshfield ruined homecoming last year by beating the Jays 33-13 and leaving them with numerous injuries that affected the rest of the season.

Despite last week's prediction by sports writer Rob Orcutt, opening pitcher Dale Mitchell was chased from the game in the sixth inning as the Club 107 Giants blasted Henrichs Club 14-5 to win the county championship. Roger Baumgart hit a grand slam home run for the Giants while Roger Wendorf and Dan Meyer were stand outs for Henrichs. Bruce English and Bill English combined for the pitching win while Mitchell and Steve Wendorf suffered the loss. After the game the Giant's own Steve Seeger was awarded the batting title for 1972 after going .650 for the season.

9-22-82

Merrill native Leslie Boettcher Jr. age 50 of Janesville was killed in plane crash late Saturday afternoon in Rock County. Boettcher was looking to sell the plane to Raymond Bedard of New York when the homebuilt two passenger plane's engine stalled and the plane went into a spin before crashing to the ground killing both Boettcher and his passenger. He will be brought back to Merrill for a funeral Thursday at Our Savior's Lutheran Church before being laid to rest at Merrill Memorial Park.

A band of thieves is not short on food or drink this week after several burglaries were reported to law enforcement. The School Forest Lodge was broken into on State Rd 107 and 10 pounds of hamburgers, 10 pounds of brats, and two boxes of fish fillets were stolen. Several Tomahawk area youths are being questioned after 30 cases of beer were stolen from the Deer Trail Bar in the Town of Nokomis.

As the Merrill Blue Jay football team approaches the midway point of the season things are looking up as an equally winless Wausau East will be in town this Saturday for homecoming. Last week the boys' team did not fare well losing against Antigo 34-0. On a brighter local sports page the Merrill volleyball team continues to roll, beating Antigo last Thursday and finishing second at the tournament of champions over the weekend. Lucy Fruend and Jan Wickman were standouts on defense against Antigo while Janet Fruend scored all 15 points in a match against Wausau East at the tournament.

9-16-92

Over 300 RV's and campers crowded into the Lincoln County Fair Grounds this past week as the Good Samaritan Club came together for five days of fun. The group consists of camping enthusiasts who meet twice a year in Wisconsin for get-togethers. Ray Schwartz is the local president and Jerry and Emily Edmund organized the local event.

On the entertainment page Club Modern notes their Sunday buffet is only $5.75 and includes chicken, roast beef, sirloin tips, and BBQ ribs. The Eagles Club will be serving fish now every Tuesday night along with broasted chicken and a selection of steaks. Mary's Homestead Inn is trying to attract bow hunters and promises $2 pitchers of beer if you bring in a broken arrow.