Merrimac ferry closure stifles local business revenues 

The Merrimac Ferry remains closed, and local businesses have begun to feel the effects, according to WKOW. The ferry closed due to mechanical issues after stalling in the middle of the Wisconsin River during pre-season test runs. 

The ferry is currently anticipated to open mid-May, following the early May arrival of replacement parts; however, local business owners estimate losses of thousands of dollars in revenue with the ferry opening several weeks later than usual.  

Mark Obois, owner of Fitz’s on the Lake, estimates his revenue losses this week at somewhere between $4,500 and $6,000. As the weather gets warmer, Obois puts those numbers $500–$1,000 higher over each of the coming weeks.