MERRILL - Earlier this month Merrill Fire Chief Bob Odegard announced plans to retire December 31.

Odegard served Merrill for more than 30 years.

Now the city must find a replacement.

The Merrill Common Council approved lifting a hiring freeze to fill the position.

City administrator David Johnson will look at a variety of candidates.

He plans to consider ones from all across Wisconsin and other surrounding states.

Some have already contacted him with interest.

Johnson wants to fill the position by December 1 so the new Chief can learn from Odegard before he leaves.