Researched by Michael J. Caylor Jr.
5-2-79
Costs of protecting President Jimmy Carter on a recent visit to Wausau are making the news locally as local law enforcement is seeking reimbursement for their expenses estimated to be in excess of $10,000. In a letter to the editor though, Colonel Harry A. Morgan, US. Army, recalls how he and the local boys from of the Merrill National Guard protected President Calvin Coolidge on his visit to Wausau in 1928. Morgan explains the American Legion convention was occurring when the local police were informed the president would not come to Wausau unless added police protection could be arranged. Col. Morgan volunteered the members of Battery F. Apparently to show off the strength of the company Morgan had horse drawn wagons containing 75mm guns brought to the railroad depot which were set off when the president and his wife disembarked from the train. Colonel Morgan found himself in the receiving line and sat next to him during the ceremonies held at the fairgrounds in Wausau. (Two points, never knew of Colonel Morgan before, his obit shows he died just over two months after he shared this in 1979; he was a veteran of service in both world wars and had a very storied career with the local national guard having organizing and later commanded Battery F, 120th Field Artillery. Also, during the Coolidge visit a Wausau Police Officer was killed in a traffic mishap right after the parade, the only Wausau Police officer to die in the line of duty)
In briefs: Gene Bebl has been recognized by the Lincoln County Bar Association with their Liberty Award, the award is presented to “silent servants” who contribute to the community but are seldom recognized. No one was injured, but four golfers at the Merrill Golf Course had to “hit the deck” after several shots were fired over their heads. Police think the bullets came from the Wisconsin River but have no suspects. City Clerk Robert Klug has appointed Judith Stockowitz the Deputy City Clerk. Stockowitz, a graduate of NTCI, fills the seat vacated by the retirement of Arnine Seis; Stockowitz has worked in city hall since 1971. An appreciation dinner for State Senator Clifford “Tiny” Kruger will be held next Thursday at Les & Jim’s Lincoln Lanes. The keynote speaker will be Governor Lee Sherman Dreyfus. Tickets are available at all Merrill drug stores or by calling Dieter Nickel or Laurie Stimers. Thelma’s apparel shop in downtown Merrill has announced Mary and Bill Vandehey have taken over ownership of the store. Watch for a new location in the near future. Asst. Principal Ken Gallenberg announced fourth quarter progress reports have been mailed from the Junior High.
5-3-89
Good Samaritan Health Center’s Board of Directors has announced an appeal for a capital fund drive for the facility. The board hopes to raise $500,000 in order to meet the needs of the hospital. The needs outlined in the appeal include expansion of outpatient services, relocation and reduction of the Special Care Unit, remodeling of the Emergency Room, relocation of the OB department, and improved parking. The foundation would also like to purchase and preserve the Scott Mansion as well. Chairman of the foundation, Donald Taylor, told how the continued survival of the hospital as we know it is relying on this fund drive. Other foundation members include: Ron Nicklaus, Audrey Taylor, Carl Bierman, Barbara Brose, Pat Chilsen, Cliff Livingston, John Michler, Dr. Jack Millenbah, Liz McHenry, Craig Nienow, Jim O’Day, Richard Reindl, Mary Jo Sazama, Ralph Schewe, John Semling, Bruce Skofronick, David Smith Jr, Thomas Young, and Bob Akey.
Good Samaritan Hospital also announces in an advertisement that Dr. Steven Dahm has returned to practice medicine with his mentor, Dr. Erling Ravn. Dr. Dahm will eventually take over as head of the surgical services for the Family Medical Clinic with Dr. Ravn’s planned retirement.
Fremont Woller has passed away. The former Register of Deeds from 1929-1947 was widely credited for completing an accurate record of births in the county which had been poorly or not documented at all by having sent out 6000 letters requesting birth information. Woller went on to become a real estate broker and developer having created several housing subdivisions around the city. Woller, age 82, was a longtime member of St. John’s Church.
5-5-99
Looking for someplace to take mom Sunday? On the Entertainment page the following bargains are found: Buffalo Spirit will have a prime rib dinner with all the fixings, Skippers will have a breakfast buffet starting at 8:00 AM, Club Modern has a brunch buffet for $8.50, the Arena starts their buffet at 10:00 AM, Club 64 has a buffet for $8.95 that includes free champagne for mom, Ku’s Wokery has an all you can eat evening buffet for $6.25, and Diamond Dave’s will offer tenderloin and shrimp for mom for just $14.95.