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Merrill Announces Plans for Ott Park Pickleball Courts Published on 09/21/2022 under News
Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. Thanks to a generous donation, a new set of courts will be coming to Merrill.

For those unfamiliar, pickleball is net sport. A hybrid similar to tennis, but played on a smaller-sized court with solid paddles and a plastic wiffle ball. While the game has been around for decades, it's popularity has exploded in recent years.

The City of Merrill recently announced plans to install six lighted pickleball courts in Ott's Park next year. The funding from the project will come from the Bierman Family Foundation.

City Administrator David Johnson says, "Merrill presently has no dedicated venue for pickleball. These courts will provide a new recreation amenity for the City of Merrill."

Once completed, the new pickleball courts will give residents an opportunity to compete in leagues and tournaments, and play in singles or doubles just for fun.

Johnson is retiring next month. He said knowing that the courts were on the Parks and Recreation wishlist, he wanted to make this his last project ahead of retirement.

The city plans to gather proposals over the winter and break ground next spring.

In Other News

Boulder Junction Debuts Ice Skating Trail in Winter Park

Published on 12/27/2024 under News Ice skating and ski trails are two popular winter activities here in the Northwoods. Up in Boulder Junction, they decided to combine them for a new winter attraction. The Town of Boulder Junction and a team of volunteers have have been busy creating an ice skating trail through a wooded area in Winter Park. Known as 'The Glide,' the ice path is a little less than a mile. It was converted from a cross-country trail that was largely underutilized due to the flat terrain and short distance. But it presented an ideal setting for the skating loop. Dennis Reuss, Boulder Junction Town Chairman says, "It's a unique way to enjoy the beauty of Boulder Junction's winters, and we can't wait to see families and friends come together to make memories here." They utilized a grant from the Boulder Junction Community Foundation and funds from the town room tax to purchase a water tank rig and a Zamboni attachment to lay down the ice and maintain the trail during the season. Coming up on Sunday, they're planning a ribbon cutting ceremony, and they're inviting the public to attend. It gets underway at 2pm, and they're planning a bonfire and some warm refreshments including hot cocoa and coffee. The Glide is the latest attraction at Boulder Junction's Winter Park, which also features a sledding hill and a traditional ice skating rink. It will be open as conditions allow from 10am to 10pm. -Photos provided by Boulder Junction Park Board

Published on 12/27/2024 under News A Park Falls man charged with fatally shooting a former girlfriend this spring has received a life sentence. Christopher Dyer was back in Price County Court on Thursday for a plea hearing. The 50 year old was facing a single count of first-degree intentional homicide. He pleaded guilty to that charge yesterday as part of an agreement. Dyer was arrested after police responded to a shooting at a property in Park Falls back on April 13. Denise Schwarz was found shot to death outside of the home. The two had a previous relationship that had ended. Following yesterday's plea agreement, the case moved directly into the sentencing. Dyer was ordered to serve life in prison. He will be eligible to apply for extended supervision after serving a minimum of 30 years.

Published on 12/27/2024 under News An area couple are doing their part to help with cancer research at the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute. Earlier this month, Dan and Linda Neve met with more than 100 researchers, physicians and scientists at Marshfield Clinic Research Institute and presented a $175,730 check to fund cancer research. That's just the tip of the ice berg. Their story actually started in 2010 when Linda was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Dan decided to use passion for cars to fight back, and he launched Cruise for a Cause. Traveling the country in his Mustang Shelby GT 500, they attend car shows, auto races and other events. Their biggest event of the year is the annual Fall Ford Fest in the Wisconsin Dells each October. Over the years, they've raised more than a $1.3 million for cancer research. Dan said, "Delivering hope should be in each of your job descriptions, because I truly believe that is what you do. You give others hope with the jobs that you all do." He added, "You gave Linda and I hope 14 years ago. You gave hope to Linda's two sisters who lost their fights with breast cancer and you give hope to her youngest sister who is undergoing chemo treatments as she begins her journey with breast cancer." Chief Research Officer Dr. Jennifer Meece says, "The fight against cancer is taking place in our backyard and Marshfield Clinic Research Institute is a key component." She added,"The latest treatment options for cancer, research studies and clinical trials are being worked on by our physicians and scientists in Marshfield, Weston, Minocqua, Eau Claire, and other communities." -Photo provided by Marshfield Clinic Research Institute-

Published on 12/27/2024 under News We recently shared some tips for recycling holiday packaging and decorations, but there are other items that shouldn't be placed in home recycling pick-up. DNR waste reduction and diversion coordinator Jennifer Semrau says, "We know recycling can be confusing. Knowing the right thing to do with things like batteries and light strings can prevent damage to recycling facilities and keep workers safe." Christmas lights and other items with cords are referred to as 'tanglers.' They can be caught up in the machinery at recycling facilities and cause shut downs and hazards to cut them loose. While some communities may offer a seasonal light recycling program, these strings should otherwise be thrown in the trash. Semrau also discussed batteries and electronics. These need to go to dedicated e-cycling locations. When damaged or punctured, batteries can cause fires or leak harmful materials. This can happen in the recycling trucks during transport or at the recycling facility. Avoid batteries of all sizes, including the small ones included in musical or light-up cards. The DNR has a webpage featuring information on recycling of many different materials including drop-off locations and special collection events.

Published on 12/27/2024 under News State legislators continue to receive their committee assignments for the the new year. In addition to her upcoming role as Senate President, Mary Felzkowski was recently appointed to the State Building Commission. The State Building Commission oversees planning, improvement, major maintenance, and renovation of state facilities. The eight-member panel includes the Governor, a citizen member, three senators and three representatives. Felzkowski says, "It is vitally important to have fiscally conservative voices in the room whenever decisions about taxpayer dollars are being made." She added that she looks forward to working with other members of the commission saying, "I see my role on the Commission as ensuring appropriate stewardship of state-owned facilities on behalf of my constituents, the taxpayers." Felzkowski was appointed to succeed outgoing Senator Joan Ballweg on the Commission by Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu. Felzkowski won't be the only Northwoods voice on the committee which will also feature Representative Rob Swearingen.

Published on 12/26/2024 under News It was a record-setting year for the Ice Age Trail, both hikers and volunteerism. The 1,200 mile Ice Age Trail carves much of the state, ultimately connecting from the Minnesota border to Green Bay. Here in North Central Wisconsin, it cuts through Taylor, Lincoln, Langlade, and Marathon Counties. Wausau, Antigo, Rib Lake, and Merrill have all been designated as Ice Age Trail Communities. As 2024 winds down, members of the Ice Age Trail Alliance looked back at what they called an "exciting and impactful year." That includes an estimated 4.65 million users, based on a study from the Fiscal and Economic Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. That has generated an estimated economic impact of more than $460 million. Luke Kloberdanz is executive director and CEO of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. He says, "The economic impact study confirmed what we anecdotally knew to be true. More people than ever before are getting out on the Trail." He added, "The "Covid bump" in usership has not dwindled...The Trail is now a part of people's lives." Meanwhile, they continue to improve and expand the trail system thanks to a generous team of volunteers who logged a record 103,000 hours on various projects. Kloberdanz added, "We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, supporters, and partners for their commitment to the Trail. Together, we've made incredible strides in protecting, creating, and celebrating this natural wonder."

Published on 12/26/2024 under News While we haven't had much snow so far this winter, chilly temperatures have allowed ice to form on area lakes. That's important for the return of a popular tourist attraction up in Eagle River. That is, of course, the Eagle River Ice Castle. For those unfamiliar, the Eagle River Fire Department and their team of volunteers build a massive castle almost entirely out of ice blocks taken from Silver Lake. A typical year features around 2,500 frozen bricks hand-placed into the castle walls. The Eagle River Fire Department has been monitoring the ice on Silver Lake as they plan for this year's build. According to an update they provided earlier this week, the department says there's approximately 10 inches of ice thickness. They need around 14 inches for the castle to happen. They wrote, "The forecast shows some challenging weather ahead, but we're hoping for a cold snap in early January to help those final 4 inches grow." The Ice Castle a tradition that dates back to the 1930's however, it's been sporadic in recent years. The last build took place in 2022.

Published on 12/26/2024 under News Another local nurse has been recognized with prestigious professional honor. Aspirus Eagle River Hospital honored Morgan Westphal with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Like many previous recipients, her nomination came from a patient who has experienced the care and compassion first hand. Westphal was working in the Emergency Department at the time. They wrote, in part, "Morgan is the most compassionate, caring, understanding, outstanding nurse. This kid deserves an award! She even remembered taking care of me a year ago. I can't say enough about Morgan. She really comforted me and was truly amazing." The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. As a Daisy recipient, Westphal received a honoree pin and a Shona Tribe sculpture known as A Healer's Touch. The staff were also treated to cinnamon rolls, another symbol from the Daisy Awards. -Photo provided by Aspirus-

Published on 12/26/2024 under News Officials are encouraging families to properly dispose of their gift packaging this week, recycling when possible. While programs differ between communities there are some general rules of thumb to follow. The DNR recently provided a few tips. Cardboard boxes can be broken down and recycled without much trouble. This includes shipping boxes as well as holiday packaging. As for wrapping paper and gift bags, that varies from program to program. For bags that are being recycled it helps to pull off the handle. Glitter and foil are generally signs that the holiday items should be placed in the garbage rather than recycling. As for items such as ribbons, bows, tissue paper and even bubble wrap; consider putting them in a box and reuse them again next Christmas.

Published on 12/26/2024 under News With Christmas now behind us, some people may have holiday gifts to return. The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau is hoping to make the process a little easier. While businesses aren't required to accept exchanges or offer refunds unless the product was defective or misrepresented, most do offer a return program. They are required to follow that policy as presented. The BBB says...•Pay attention to the time frame allotted by the retailer for returns and initiate the return promptly. Find out if the countdown begins on the date of original purchase, or if there are extended holiday return time frames. •Hopefully a gift receipt or regular receipt was included. Bring that along, as well as a photo ID. Some stores now require a form of ID to cut down on return fraud. •Finally be aware that some stores may charge a restocking fee for open items or those without packaging.If you believe a retailer is not honoring its posted return policy, you can file a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.

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