Civic Organizations and Community Groups in Rusk County!

 The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death. The local event to help prevent suicide is the Northwoods Out of the Darkness Walk.  

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Address: 1314 S. 1st St. #162

Milwaukee, WI 53204

Phone: 414-216-4180

Email: gorlando@afsp.org

Website: https://afsp.org/chapter/wisconsin 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afspwichapter 

 As one of America’s leading veterans service organizations for more than 75 years, AMVETS has a proud history of assisting veterans and sponsoring numerous programs that serve our country and its citizens. Membership in AMVETS is open to anyone who honorably served, or currently serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves.

Address: 605 W. Summit Avenue

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-415-4580

Email: john.vacho@yahoo.com

Website: https://amvets.org/ 

Bruce Blue Hills Lions Club is a non-profit organization that supports the community efforts with donations and volunteering by its members.

Address: PO Box 112

Bruce, WI 54819

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bruce-Blue-Hills-Lions-Club-1896124450606085/ 

The Bruce Area Historical Society was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1985.  The Museum Building located on East River Avenue, was originally the Bruce Newsletter office.  The Historical Society also owns the Apollonia Church, which is located on Highway No. 8, one mile west of Bruce.  It was built in 1895 and is available to rent for events such as funerals or weddings.

Hours of Operation: Wednesdays from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM during summer months and by appointment.

Address: PO Box 115

Bruce, WI 54819

Phone: 715-635-5244

Email: jrcameron@centurytel.net

The Drop Zone Bar & Grill-VMA is operated to support five veteran organizations and is open to the public! Our mission is to offer opportunities that support our service members and veterans. The Drop Zone Bar & Grill is a place for veterans, family members and members of our community to meet in a family friendly atmosphere. We have Wi-Fi, darts and a large meeting room. We have a family of Veteran organizations that meet regularly in our hall. 1st Monday of each month is the American Legion Post 64 at 7pm. 1st Tuesday of each month is the Amvets Post 127 at 6pm. 2nd Monday of each month is the VMA at 6pm. 3rd Monday of each month is the VFW at 7pm. 4th Monday of each month is the DAV at 7pm. Each organization has its own page for contact information if you are interested in joining. 

Please drop by to visit with other like-minded friends and support our great efforts to provide for the veterans in this area. Our Hall is available to reserve for your special events and the prices are reasonable. Life members in good standing can use the hall one day a year for free.  Please call the below phone number if you are interested in renting our hall. We can also provide the food for your event if you choose.

Hours of Operations: Wednesday through Friday 4:00 PM to Close and Weekend 11:00 AM to Close

Address: 605 Summit Ave

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-532-6772

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dropzoneladysmith/ 

  Formed in 2009 by a group of people who care about animals, the Friends of the Rusk County Animal Shelter is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide stray, surrendered, abandoned, and abused animals a safe and humane facility to live in until they are adopted, transferred, or euthanized. We are currently focused on raising money for a new animal shelter building via fundraiser events and donations.

Address: PO Box 24

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Email: bflouro@centurytel.net

paulacarow@hotmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FRCAS4newshelter/ 

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes is created of 6,000 volunteers and 15,000 girls from northern Wisconsin and the U.P. of Michigan. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Address: 4222 Oakwood Hills Parkway

Eau Claire, WI 54701

Phone: 888-747-6945

Email: info@gsnwgl.org

Website: https://www.gsnwgl.org/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSNWGL/ 

We are a hardworking community organization that has proudly served the Ladysmith area for many years. We host events throughout the year to raise money for scholarships and bringing our community together. We are always looking for more members to join.

Address: PO Box 191

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-415-1902

Email: northlandcommunityclub@outlook.com

Website: https://ruskcountywi.com/mardi-gras/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LadysmithJaycees/ 

We are a Catholic non-profit organization with about 215 members.  We have yearly dues and many fundraisers.  We volunteer for many events and give money to organizations and people in need. We are an organization of Catholic men who help to aid one another in sickness and death, strengthen families, and to be a service of the church. The Ladysmith Knights of Columbus meet the first Wednesday of the month at the Ladysmith Care Community (Cameo Room) at 7pm.

Address: 103 Birchwood Cove

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-532-5977

Email: bob_kreo@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.ruskcountycatholiccommunity.org/knights-of-columbus.html 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Knights-of-Columbus-Council-2481-Ladysmith-WI-552770814904455/ 

 The Ladysmith Lions Club was chartered in 1968 with 33 members. Today the Club has about 60 members. The Lions motto is “WE SERVE,” and that is what the Lions do.

Lions Clubs are non-profit organizations that provide service to the community. The Ladysmith Lions Club’s service to community includes: highway cleanup, free eye exams to children in preschool, transport of eyes, youth program sponsorships, scholarships, fishing pole program, donations, financial assistance for eye glasses and exams, collection of eye glasses and hearing aids, diabetes education, continued support of leader dog programs and special need camps for children, and promotion of community events.

Address: PO Box 185

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-415-5039

Email: vickib62@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladysmithlions.frozenflambeau.9/ 

 Mystic Tie Lodge #280 Free & Accepted Masons of WI is a fraternal non-profit organization that offers High School Scholarships each year at Ladysmith, Flambeau, Bruce & Cornell.  We also help out other local organizations and people in need. Meetings are every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.

Address: 705 E. 3rd St. N.

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-532-7696

Email: bdhoward@centurytel.net

Website: https://280-wi.ourlodgepage.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mystictielodge/ 

The mission of Power House is to provide the youth of the community (6th – 12th grade) a positive alternative to negative behaviors in a safe, drug-free environment, surrounded by caring Christian adults. We serve the youth a meal after tutoring and learning life skill classes while building relationships.

Hours of Operation: Monday 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Address: 209 E. 3rd St. 

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 480-415-8301

Email: powerhouseladysmith@gmail.com

Website: https://www.powerhouseladysmith.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powerhouseofladysmith/ 

The Rusk Area Arts Alliance (RAAA), is a group of many talented visual and performing artists, along with writers, who contribute their time and many varied talents to help make the Rusk Area a ‘welcoming’ creative community.

The community activities RAAA sponsors and co-sponsors are many & varied. Some include, The Reclaimed Flambeau Mine “Fine Art” Artist Calendar, The Rusk County Community Library Gallery, Musicale, artists at the Farmers Market, Art in the Garden tours, Music in the Park, Toadally Artsy Kids Events at Toad House, and more ... we add events every year as we grow and our passions direct us.

Address: 711 Lake Avenue W.

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-532-6290

Email: ruskarts@gmail.com

Website:  http://www.ruskarts.org/ 

Facebook: n https://www.facebook.com/RuskAreaArtsAlliance/ 

4-H is a national youth organization for youth in grades K-13.  4-H members share, learn, and work together in all kinds of projects, events, and activities.  Youth and volunteers choose projects that fit their personal interest and goals.

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Address: 311 Miner Ave. E.

Suite S140

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-532-2125

Fax: 715-532-2279

Email:  mbigmountain@wisc.edu 

Website: https://rusk.extension.wisc.edu 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rusk-County-4-H-166196434078861/ 

  We are a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that has been established to provide professionally managed services by which individuals, families, and businesses can contribute through lifetime and estate gifts for the betterment of their Rusk County communities.

Donors have the flexibility to direct their gifts toward special projects or areas of interest. They may also direct their gifts to where community needs are greatest, as identified from time to time by the Board of Directors.

We are here to support the charitable, religious, and other nonprofit organizations in the county. Our mission is to be complementary to, not competitive with, their efforts.

Address: PO Box 54

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-532-0772

Email: info@ruskfoundation.org

Website: https://ruskfoundation.org/ 

Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity helps hard-working, low income families buy homes.  The families are required to help build their home and buy it with a zero-interest loan.  Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity serves Burnett, Polk, Rusk, and Washburn counties.

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Address: 1357 N. River St. 

Spooner, WI 54801

Phone: 715-939-1390

Email: office@wildrivershabitat.org

Website: https://wildrivershabitat.org/ 

Sheltering, reuniting, re-homing lost and unwanted pets...

The Rusk County Animal Shelter, at 200 Doughty Rd in Ladysmith, Wi, is a full-service shelter, though we do not provide most veterinary services to the public. We shelter and provide supportive care for stray and unwanted domestic animals until they can be reunited with their owners or adopted by new families. We accept surrendered animals when we have space available. There is an in-county surrender fee of $25 per animal, and a $50 per animal out of county fee. Surrenders fees cover only a fraction of the cost of care for each animal we take in, things like shots, deworming, microchipping, and spay/neuter. If you are unable to come in during normal business hours, an after-hours or weekend appointment might be arranged depending on availability of staff.

Adopting a dog or cat is a big commitment. Not only are you bringing home a new family member, you are also making a commitment to give that animal a good home for as long as it lives. We take the adoption process very seriously as we like every dog and cat to not just go to a home, but its FOREVER home – one where it will remain part of the family as long as it lives.

Hours of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Thursday 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Address: 200 Doughty Road

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-532-2367

Email:ruskanimals@ruskcountywi.us

Website: http://ruskanimals.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rusk-County-Animal-Shelter-252305531557856/ 

 The Rusk Dems are a local political party supporting the election of progressive candidates for local, state, and national offices. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuskDems/ 

The Rusk County Historical Society was incorporated in 1955 and is a non-profit organization. The objectives of the society are the discovery, preservation, and public dissemination of the history of Rusk County and the State of Wisconsin. The entire historical museum consists of ten buildings displaying thousands of donations from the citizens of Rusk County and other generous individuals to be shared with the many visitors each year to the museum. The museum also features many historical documents and burial records for area cemeteries. The museum currently houses over 9,000 artifacts from Rusk County’s past.

Hours of Operation: Weekends 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM Memorial Day through Labor Day or by appointment.

Address: 998 E. 3rd St. N.

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-415-3114

Email: jplatteter@yahoo.com

Website:  http://ruskcountymuseum.com/ 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ruskcountymuseum/ 

 The Lighthouse provides emergency shelter at two locations.  One location serving women and children, the second serving men and children.  Also providing advocacy and referrals for employment, legal, mental health benefits and resources. 

Address: N4345 State Hwy 27

PO Box 42

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-609-9600

Email: ruskcountylighthouse@gmail.com

Website: https://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/cgi-bin/id/shelter.cgi?shelter=15356 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruskcountylighthouseshelter/ 

 We are retired teachers and support staff from area schools who work to support public education. 

Address: 518 Menasha Ave.

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-532-6014

Email: jsbaye@centurytel.net

The purpose of the WRA shall be for the betterment of wildlife, habitat and related recreational sporting facilities. 

Address: PO Box 361

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-492-4733

Email: wrabanquet@gmail.com

Website: https://dnr.wi.gov/about/wcc/Documents/Awards/2011-WCCawards.pdf 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Environmental-Challenge-376936475832246/ 

 It is the mission of the Rusk County Youth Council to combine the resources of the county for the purpose of preventing and solving violence, alcohol, tobacco and other drug problems of our children and youth by integrating resources through communication and collaborative planning towards prevention of at risk behavior, encouragement of health and wellness, positive youth development, and resiliency for youth ages 0 – 21 years old. 

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Address: 1000 College Ave. W.

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-532-4222

Email: ruskcountyyouthcouncil@gmail.com

Website: https://ruskyouth.org/ 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RuskCountyYouthCouncil/ 

The Rusk Rider ATV Club was founded in 2002.  Our goal is to keep growing the sport of ATV/UTVing in Rusk County.  Our Club helps maintain our trails north of Weyerhaeuser.  We currently have 24 miles of trail and are always working towards getting more trails open.  We played a key role in getting a route opened in the City of Ladysmith and the Village of Bruce including access into Bruce from the West.  We conduct an ATV Safety Course each year and have worked with local Ambulance and Fire Departments to do mock crash trainings.  We like to promote ATV/UTVing by being visible in our community through participating in local parades and having a booth at various events.  Our meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month (April through November) at the Swamp Road Sportsman's Club west of Ladysmith starting at 6:30 pm.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  If interested in joining our club, don't hesitate to contact us.

Address: PO Box 

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-532-0282

Email: ruskridersatvclub@hotmail.com

Website: https://ruskcountywi.com/recreation/atving/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rusk.riders/ 

 Sharing Life and Peace is a tax-deductible non-profit organization delivering beds to children in need. 

Address: W11096 Christman Rd. Lot 12

Bruce, WI 54819

Phone: 262-391-7446

Email: dianareyant@gmail.com

 Women 4 Progress meets every 4th Thursday, 6:00 PM at Toad House, Lake Ave W, Ladysmith.  All are welcome!
Women working together 4:
1. Economic
2. Environmental
3. Racial &
4. Social
JUSTICE 

Address: 509 E. 3rd St. N.

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone 715-532-7099 or 715-532-4983

Email: costenso@gmail.com 

colleenpeters11@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Women4Progress/ 

 Women with Courage Foundation (WWCF) was organized in 2004 by a group of individuals who were interested in offering financial support to cancer patients within Rusk County. Through their dedication and generosity of many individuals and businesses, they have distributed yearly stipends to people of all ages from Rusk County who are undergoing treatment for cancer. 

Address: PO Box 12

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-415-4428, 715-532-7617, 715-532-6131, 715-205-0247

Email: cronicks@centurytel.net

Website: https://www.womenwithcourage.org/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Women-With-Courage-Foundation-137627116347106/ 

The Writers’ Exchange is a group of people who enjoy writing. The purpose of this Anthology is to promote the art and spirit of writing as a pleasure, to share literary ideas and expressions, to stimulate and encourage writing, to consider publication opportunities and to contribute to the community arts. We invite writers of this area to contribute to this Anthology and to attend our meetings where we share our works and encourage new ideas. 

Address: N9197 Fedyn Rd.

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone: 715-532-6606

Email: wolfhill@chipvalley.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WritersExchangeLadysmith/ 

It is time we honor and recognize the sacrifices of all those Armed Forces military veterans who have bravely served our Country over the years.

For over 245 years, U.S. Citizens have answered their country's call to arms. During times of war and peace, our country's citizens, fellow countrymen and patriots have stepped forward in military service to our great country. Many served honorably and returned home to their loved ones. Some were wounded in action, others killed in action. Some veterans return with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD), reliving past war time experiences or with guilt from returning home when a buddy did not make it. 

In 2018 a few community members got together to discuss honoring our area veterans. As the conversation continued it was realized that our area has supplied many to serve our nation over the years. As time went on, we developed our Mission Statement which is "We are dedicated to provide a place of honor and to pay tribute to all veterans past, present and future" 

The Memorial is affiliated with the Town of Lake Holcombe thus maintaining a tax-exempt status. The Memorial will be built at 263rd Avenue, just West of Highway 27 on land donated

by Dave and Sue Staudacher. After many hours of discussions, we feel our design will provide a place of honor for all who have served as well as a place for healing and reflection. Please keep in mind that this is a veterans' memorial, not a war memorial, but will include all area veterans.

The Committee hopes to start construction on the first phase in the Spring of 2021, with groundbreaking before Memorial Day. We will also be selling legacy stones, to recognize veterans. 

Address: PO Box 274

Holcombe, WI 54745

Phone: 715-456-8749

Email: holcombeareaveteransmemorial@gmail.com

Website: https://holcombeareaveteransmemorial.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holcombeareaveteransmemorial

Since 1971, Westlake’s Enterprises is a non-profit organization community center for adults who have developmental and other challenges.

Westlake works with individuals that are able to obtain employment of their choosing through the following programs:

• Supported Employment – Westlake workers are able to perform a variety of production techniques to meet business needs in our facility. Westlake’s capabilities are flexible. This provides workers with job training and experience.

• Community Employment – Group of our employees work in many locations in the community. Like lawn mowing, janitorial and office help.

• Employment Services – There are opportunities for Westlake workers to become employees at local businesses.

Westlake’s also provides an Adult Day Program is designed to meet the needs of adults in the community who have physical or health challenges, memory, impairments and cognitive or developmental disabilities. Socialization, assistance with personal care and a wide variety of activities help the individuals who attend Westlake’s adult day program maintain their independence and promote feelings of self-worth. Westlake’s adult day program offers families the opportunity to ‘take-a-break’ from there care giving responsibilities. Individuals can attend on an as needed drop-in basis or a fixed schedule that may range from one to five days per week, depending on the needs of the family.

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Address: 1502 E. 16th St. South

PO Box 173

Ladysmith, WI 54848

Phone:716-532-5686

Fax: 715-532-9374

Website: http://www.wstlk.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westlakeenterprises/