Merrill introduces new recreation manager Emily Heckendorf

Dan introduced Emily Heckendorf at the start of the Sept. 2 meeting, saying she has been with the department about a month and "has been doing a wonderful job." He credited her quick learning and said she brought new ideas and technological skills that have already added efficiencies.

Commissioners welcomed Heckendorf and briefly discussed workload and upcoming Labor Day events; Dan said he appreciated the handoff support from the retired staff member and noted he wanted to give Emily latitude to make improvements to programming and operations.