Welcome to the Rusk Area Chamber of Commerce!
Rusk County really is a great place to eat, play, shop, and live! Whether you are looking to visit for the day, take a vacation, move to the area, or start a business in one of our communities like Ladysmith, Bruce, Conrath, Glen Flora, Hawkins, Lake Holcombe, Sheldon, Tony, or Weyerhaeuser we have something for everyone. Take a look around and see what we have to offer!
The Chamber Spotlight Organization of the Month!
Rusk County 4-H
4-H has had a rich history that has generally mirrored the history of our great nation. During the early years 4-H wanted to improve agricultural production and food preservation through the youth of America. In later years, the organization’s concern switched to the development of young people and working to meet their needs. This change occurred because 4-H began broadening their branches to reach urban areas and incorporate new activities and programs that interested a wide range of children from all age groups and backgrounds.
Rusk County’s 4-H history started in 1921 by Jen Hiffernon who started the Onaway 4-H Club, Rusk County’s first club. Many of today’s Rusk County 4-H clubs have been operating for over fifty years. The unique history of our county’s 4-H program is built upon the endless volunteers, community members, youth, and extension employees that have worked so hard to provide programs and activities that expand our youth’s experiences and well-being.
Today 4-H is still committed to serving all youth, grades K-13, within the community. The educational programs that 4-H provides supports the mental, physical, and social growth of today’s youth. 4-H provides the opportunity for youth to master new skills, learn practical decision making, learn and relate skills to careers, expand leadership abilities, learn to set and attain goals, plan and manage time wisely, and to develop ambition, initiative, and responsibility.
In 4-H, they believe in the power of young people. They see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. They are America’s largest youth development organization providing young people with the skills to last for a lifetime. Young people learn by doing. Kids complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, and citizenship, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. 4H programs are available for children 8-18 and 4H Cloverbud programs are available for children 5-7.
4-H provides numerous opportunities for today’s youth to get involved. Besides being involved in a club environment and meeting youth throughout the county, 4-H also provides contests, conferences, camps, leadership training, international programs, research programs, and scholarships.
How Do You Get Involved?
It is easy: Just call the Rusk County UW-Extension Office at 532-2151. They can answer any questions you might have about the program. There are clubs located all over the county. 4-H is a family program that can involve everyone. There are over 80 different project areas that youth can participate in. The activities are fun, educational, and “hands-on”. They learn by doing! Join the fun — call today!
Local Clubs
Blue Hills Beasts (Bruce) – Monica Nohr 920-594-0701 or work 715-868-2533 x257
Cloudwalkers (Sheldon) – Denise Warner 715-290-0170
Cloverland (Ladysmith) – Jess Wiles 715-403-9996 or Debbie Stanger 715-415-3625
Deertail (Tony) – Diane van Doorn 715-532-3857 or 715-415-4159
Happy Hayseeds (Sheldon) – Laura Dutter-Nelson 715-403-2026 or Jen Soltis 715-415-5462
Hoofbeats (Ladysmith) – Julie van Doorn at 715-415-1795
Lakeside (Holcombe) – Tracey Larson 715-773-0172
Marshall Marchers (Sheldon) – MaKaylen Cody 715-290-0522 or Elisha Augustine 715-314-0356
Onni-Padi-Doon (Glen Flora) – Cindy Verdegan 715-567-0737
Riverside (Jump River) – Jody Oelkers 715-452-5392 or Marlene Skabroud 715-668-5438
Rusk Rockets (Weyerhaeuser) – Tammy Zajec 715-415-9005
