Rotary Club recognizes community leaders, elects new leadership

The Rotary Club of Merrill capped off another successful year with its annual meeting June 23, 2026, marking a change in leadership and honoring several members for their community service.
Carrie Harris was recognized for two years of service as the club President. Karen Karow was installed as the club’s President for the 2026-2027 term in a ceremonial passing of the gavel. Brandon Wilde will serve as Secretary/Treasurer.
According to Karow, her focus for the coming term will include mental health initiatives, along with continued outreach in the community to create lasting change.
The club also bestowed a special Paul Harris Community Fellowship on Carl Theorin for his role in starting the Rotary Christmas Auction nearly 45 years ago. The auction is estimated to have raised $150,000 for community projects over that time.
Bea Lebel and Pat Burg received the club’s annual Paul Harris Community Foundation Fellowship for their longtime service to the Merrill Historical Society.