Collette Sorgel, Three Lakes, was named Lion of the Year by the Three Lakes Lions Club, and as the Immediate Past District Governor, Sorgel was honored for Outstanding Leadership and Devoted Service to the Wisconsin Lions. Sorgel was the first woman to hold the office of Three Lakes club president.

LDF Construction, part of the LDF Business Development Corporation was awarded a $1 million federal 8(a) construction contract by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forestry Service. The 8(a) contracts are awarded by the U.S. Small Business Administration as part of a program designed to help provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities.

Terry Berndt, Rhinelander, has been installed as president of the Rhinelander Kiwanis Club. He follows his father, Hal and sister, Julie Berndt who are both past presidents of the service organization.

Jeffery Van Lier Ribbink, MD, FACS, has joined the general surgery staff of Ascension Medical Group. He will see patients in Rhinelander and Tomahawk. Van Lier Ribbink performs an array of surgical procedures including advanced laparoscopic surgery and has special interest in endocrine, biliary and breast surgeries.

 Women’s Health Specialist Bruce Abrams, MD has returned to the Ascension Medical Group. Abrams previously provided patient care in Rhinelander for more than 17 years and will know see OBGYN patients in Tomahawk and Eagle River.

Nurse Practitioner Elizabeth Horwath, APNP has joined the staff at Ascension Medical Group at Woodruff. Horwath is board certified in family medicine and adult/gerontologic acute care services and also provides preventative care and wellness exams for patients two years of age and older.

The Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport (ROCA) Commission has reported the airport’s presence has contributed over $35 million in local economic impact and 137 full-time jobs. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation-Bureau of Aeronautics report also indicated visitors utilizing ROCA contribute $6.5 million to the local economy. Data for the report was collected in 2018.

The town of Boulder Junction has been certified as a Telecommuter Forward! Community by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. The certification recognizes local units of government that have met criteria for promoting telecommuting opportunities in partnership with broadband providers, economic development professionals and the State Broadband Office.

Nicolet College is offering a new paramedic training program. Classes begin Jan. 20, on Nicolet’s Rhinelander Campus. The program is a one-year, 44-credit technical diploma made possible through a  partnership between Nicolet and Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland. Students who graduate from this program can apply those credits to the two-year paramedic associates degree program at Lakeshore.

Aspirus has announced a $14 million expansion of its medical clinic in Rhinelander. Work on the 21,000 square foot addition began in September and is expected to be completed in October 2020. The addition will provide more space for specialists, physical therapy area and a state-of-the-art sleep study facility.

Attorney Steven Sorenson has been hired as Rhinelander’s municipal lawyer. He has been practicing municipal law since 1980 and has served as a district attorney in Waukesha County. Sorenson began the job Sept. 24.

Surgical Associates, S.C., which has offices in Rhinelander Woodruff, has achieved national accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. To achieve the milestone, the practice underwent a number of assessments and on-site surveys.