Three Lakes looks to revitalize downtown

Three Lakes has been accepted into the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Connect Communities Program. It is an initiative that works with communities to advance downtown revitalization efforts. Three Lakes is one of nine communities in the state that were added to the program last month.
“The Three Lakes Chamber and the Forward Three Lakes Downtown Working Group are thrilled to be accepted into the Connect Communities Program,” said Jacqui Sharpe, associate director of the Three Lakes Chamber. “We cannot wait to dig into the education and training available to us as we continue our work toward a vibrant downtown.”
Three Lakes will have access to a variety of resources, including participation in Main Street workshops focused on a downtown revitalization topic, an on-site visit from a member of WEDC’s community development staff to assist in identifying needs and offering assistance, training for a downtown director or board president and access to WEDC’s downtown development online library.

Oneida County trail systems open

The Oneida County ATV/UTV Trail System, administered by the Oneida County Forestry, Land and Recreation Department, is open for the spring, summer and fall season. This includes the trails maintained by the Hodag 4-Wheelers ATV-UTV Club and the Pel-Cho Mudd Nutz trails in Enterprise, the Little Rice ATV Club in Little Rice and Lynne, and the Lakeland ATV Club trail in Woodruff. Also open is the Enterprise Campground, located within the Oneida County Forest, approximately 11 miles south of Rhinelander on Shingle Mill Road. It is also accessible via the Enterprise ATV/UTV trail. There are 11 campsites with grills, fire rings and picnic tables – first come, first served basis. Riders should stay on the marked trails, obey all signs and regulations and ride responsibly.

Rhinelander hotel receives award

The AmericInn by Wyndham in Rhinelander has been awarded the annual “Best of AmericInn,” which recognizes the brand’s top-performing hotels and their teams.
“Receiving this honor is a testament to the incredible work of our hotel team in delivering top-notch hospitality day in and day out,” said general manager Elizabeth Cochrane. “Winning the hearts and loyalty of guests is all about maintaining a quality hotel and cultivating a staff that’s passionate about the details. We’ve successes on both fronts and we’ll continue striving to set the bar even higher for what it means to be a ‘Best of AmericInn.’”
Award winning hotels demonstrate strong quality scores, outstanding guest reviews and an unwavering commitment to the brand’s loyalty program and its members, according to a press release.

Leadership Lunch-n-Learn

Community development specialist Myles Alexander is offering another in a series of informal leadership events. The May event takes place at noon Thursday, May 20. The topic is The Leadership Difference in Rural Community Vitality, which will explore the relationship between leadership approaches and community success. The Iowa Small Towns Project has collected leadership data since 1994. The 2014 survey included 10,000 residents in 91 small Iowa towns. In this event, participants will receive the Leadership Style Questionnaire, developed by Peter Northouse. Results of the survey will help participants understand their leadership approach.
Alexander encourages everyone to see leadership as a set of skills. “Everyone can be an effective leader,” he noted.
Register in advance at https://bit.ly/3bpTGh1. A confirmation email with information about joining the meeting will follow. For more information, email myles.alexander@wisc.edu or call 715-365-2750.

Biking festival raises funds, awareness for bicycling equity

Registration is open for the annual Solstice Festival held June 18-19 in Manitowish Waters. This year’s festival marks the beginning of a multi-year focus on increasing access to the bicycling experience in the Manitowish Waters area, by raising funds for publicly-available adaptive bicycles. Adaptive bikes include tricycles and assisted tandem bikes that allow riders with a wide range of needs to enjoy an active lifestyle. Funds raised will also be used to improve safety along public roadways.
Fun rides and road rides are available Saturday. The road rides include the 15-mile Buswell Loop Ride, 29-mile Cranberry Ride, 50-mile Half Century Ride and 100-mile full Century Ride. These routes begin at the Manitowish Waters Community Center and run along marked courses with rest stops and support. A family fun ride will begin at Koller Park and includes stops and activities at the Discovery Center, Camp Jorn YMCA and North Lakeland School.
All rides end at Koller Park for a post-ride meal and celebration with music, food, beverages and activities. The festival is organized by the Manitowish Waters Alliance Foundation with help from local businesses and volunteers. Anyone interested in helping can contact the Chamber of Commerce at 715-543-8488. For more information, visit solsticefestival.us.