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Rhinelander Chamber Director Receives 'Rising Star' Tourism Award Published on 03/21/2022 under News

A Northwoods chamber director has been dubbed a 'Rising Star' by the state's tourism department.

At the Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism, eight individuals and organizations were presented with Tourism Awards. Among them was Lauren Sackett from the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce. Sackett received one of two 'Rising Star' awards.

In the announcement panel said of Sackett, "Her leadership played a crucial role in helping many local tourism businesses survive through the pandemic. Described as the perfect blend of local pride, fearless advocate and compassionate peer, Sackett works tirelessly to bring tourism in the Northwoods to the next level."

In addition to her position with the Rhinelander Chamber, Sackett also contributes to the Northwoods Tourism Council.

Tourism secretary-designee, Anne Sayers. "As tourism continues to rebound, it's the inspired work and brilliant execution from these individuals and organizations that keep Wisconsin on the right path toward recovery. Congratulations to our award winners and all of this year's nominees."

2022 Governor's Tourism Awards winners:

Arts, Culture and Heritage Award - Create Waunakee Committee, Village of Waunakee 

The Village of Waunakee and its "Create Waunakee" Committee celebrate its innovators, creators and artists that make Waunakee a vibrant place to live and explore. Since February 2020, this committee of nine dedicated community volunteers and four village staff members has gone above and beyond to bring amazing programs, ideas and opportunities to Waunakee. Examples include, "Waunakee is Home", a series of monthly interviews with local community members, and the Waunakee Artisan Market, which emphasizes the talents of local artists.

Arts, Culture and Heritage Award - Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower, Door County Maritime Museum and Lighthouse Preservation Society 

As a recent expansion of the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, the landmark Jim Kress Maritime Lighthouse Tower offers ten floors of interactive educational exhibits highlighting maritime history, people and industries. The space is designed to provide accessibility to a lighthouse experience that can accommodate everyone regardless of physical abilities and provides a must-see maritime experience that will draw visitors and create a significant economic boost to the region.

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion Award - Unique Unites, VISIT Milwaukee 

Unique Unites is an ongoing campaign designed to highlight Milwaukee's eclectic and diverse community with a focus on inclusivity and representation for all who live, work and visit the city. The campaign encourages visitors and locals alike to branch out, explore the city, learn about its diverse community and find their Milwaukee. With this initiative, visitors from all walks of life can feel like they belong in a city where they are represented and included. 

Innovation Award - Wisconsin River Trail Organization 

The Wisconsin River Trail Organization (WRTO) Board formed in 2014 to create a 20-mile hiking and biking trail in the Boscobel/Woodman/Wauzeka area. In addition to the trail creation, there are plans to continue to reinvent the community by converting old feed buildings into a hostel, brew pub, theater, indoor farmers market and much more. The WRTO is made up of community members including nurses, insurance representatives, teachers and secretaries who together serve as mentors in the community and will leave a legacy that will be built upon for years to come.  

Rising Star Award - Amy Albright, Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau 

Amy Albright continuously displays her passion for Oshkosh while leading the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau to ensure economic development through tourism. She has elevated the marketing strategy for the Oshkosh area by jumpstarting its presence on social media, radio and other media outlets. Her unwavering commitment to establish partnerships and foster relationships have longstanding impacts throughout the community.

Rising Star Award - Lauren Sackett, Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce 

Since becoming Executive Director of the Rhinelander Area Chamber in June 2018, Lauren Sackett has served as the Treasurer of the Oneida County Tourism Commission and has worked to uplift the entire area by advocating for increased commitment in tourism investment. Her leadership played a crucial role in helping many local tourism businesses survive through the pandemic. Described as the perfect blend of local pride, fearless advocate and compassionate peer, Sackett works tirelessly to bring tourism in the Northwoods to the next level. 

Service Excellence Award - The Racine Zoo 

The Racine Zoo is a 28-acre, accredited zoo along the shores of Lake Michigan that works to create a safe, fun, enriching and educational place for all ages. The Zoo incorporates animals and wildlife conservation education into every part of their work. From guided scout hikes and preschool classes to summer camps and special events, they strive to connect the community with nature. As a result of its ongoing efforts to remove barriers to access, the Racine Zoo recently became the first certified sensory inclusive zoo in Wisconsin.

Legacy Award - Sherry Quamme, Mississippi River Parkway Commission/WI Great River Road 

Sherry Quamme has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to serving and uplifting numerous municipalities, including her own community of Ferryville. She has been a driving force for tourism and economic development in southwest Wisconsin and has collaborated with more than eight destination marketing organizations to promote the region. She has served on the Mississippi River Parkway Commission/Wisconsin Great River Road, including as Chair, since 2008. Quamme led the efforts to author Wisconsin's first successful All American Road application to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, with the designation being awarded in 2021. No matter the project, Quamme is a forward-thinking leader, and her efforts go above and beyond.

In Other News

Tomahawk PD Bolsters Patrols for Annual Fall Ride Surge

Published on 09/16/2026 under News As thousands of motorcyclists roll into town for Fall Ride weekend, the Tomahawk Police Department is bringing in backup. To cover expanded patrols throughout the city during Fall Ride, the department relies on neighboring agencies to provide extra manpower. Each year, Tomahawk requests mutual aid, bringing in outside officers to work alongside local police throughout the event. The goal is to increase law enforcement presence and visibility, particularly in the downtown area, which hosts many of the weekend's festivities. In recent years, the event has seen no major incidents—a trend officials hope to maintain. The department puts out a call each year to fill roughly 30 additional shifts through mutual aid. During a recent Health and Safety Committee meeting, Sgt. Matt Gorell noted that a majority of this year's shifts will be filled by the Mountain Bay Metro Police Department, which serves Rothschild, Schofield, and Weston. To get into the Fall Ride spirit, visiting and local officers typically trade their traditional police blues for special Harley-Davidson-inspired black-and-orange uniforms. Because event activities spill outside city limits, other agencies like the Lincoln and Oneida County Sheriff's Offices and the Wisconsin State Patrol, also typically increase their presence in the area. While early arrivals and preliminary activities are already underway, the Fall Ride unofficially kicks off Thursday and runs through Sunday.

Published on 09/16/2026 under News Authorities are looking into a risky incident over Lincoln County after someone on the ground aimed a laser at a commercial airliner. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, air traffic controllers at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport reached out to local dispatchers to report that a Boeing 737 cruising at 34,000 feet had been targeted by a laser beam. Thanks to onboard navigation tech, the flight crew provided exact coordinates where the light originated, leading deputies straight to the area of County Highway E and Wadell Road in the Town of Bradley. Deputies searched the neighborhood and spoke with local property owners, but were unable to track down a suspect. Fortunately, the pilot reported no disruptions, and the plane continued safely on to its destination. Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a serious federal crime that can temporarily blind pilots and put everyone on board at risk. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office says the investigation remains ongoing.

Published on 09/16/2026 under News A Northwoods lawmaker is calling for a statewide ban on government-operated automated license plate reader cameras as communities across Wisconsin reconsider the technology. State Representative Calvin Callahan says systems like Flock Safety cameras raise serious concerns about privacy, mass surveillance, and how data on law-abiding motorists is collected and shared. Callahan, who is seeking reelection this November, currently serves as chair of the Assembly Committee on Consumer Protection. He plans to hold a legislative hearing on surveillance cameras when lawmakers return in January to examine who can access license plate data, how long it is retained, and whether it is shared with outside agencies. While calling for broad restrictions, Callahan says he would consider allowing the technology for serious criminal investigations, provided law enforcement obtains a warrant and operates under judicial oversight.

Published on 09/16/2026 under News Health officials have confirmed a case of measles in a Marathon County resident. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Marathon County Health Department, state testing confirmed the diagnosis. Authorities say the individual contracted the virus while traveling out of state. Officials say this case is unrelated to the ongoing measles outbreak in Southwestern Wisconsin, which has seen over 160 cases concentrated primarily in Iowa, Lafayette, and Grant counties. No identifying details or personal health information about the patient are being released due to privacy laws. Public health teams are working to trace and notify anyone who may have been exposed. At this time, officials have not identified any public exposure locations.

Published on 09/16/2026 under News The Tomahawk STAR Foundation is stepping up once again to support area organizations, announcing a new round of community grant funding aimed at preserving local history, boosting local athletics, and brightening the holiday season. Leading the latest round of funding is a $5,000 pledge to Tomahawk's Hometown Christmas. The committee will use the grant to help purchase additional lighted holiday decorations throughout the city. In addition to holiday festivities, the foundation announced a $1,000 grant toward the production of the historical documentary Tomahawk: City in the Pines, which premiered locally to fantastic reviews over the weekend. Another $1,000 award will support the Tomahawk Titans baseball team. Additional grants are being announced and highlighted via the STAR Foundation Facebook page. Over the years, the STAR Foundation has served as a vital community chest, directing local donations back into non-profits, civic projects, and area programs. Its two primary fundraisers are the summer "Best Burger in Paradise" contest and the icy New Year's plunge into Lake Mohawksin known as the STAR Splash.

Published on 09/16/2026 under News As Northwoods bowhunters head out following the opening weekend of archery and crossbow deer season, state wildlife officials are issuing a timely reminder to protect the local herd, adhering to all deer baiting and feeding bans. Officials explain that placing food or attractants causes deer to group together unnaturally. This significantly raises the risk of spreading Chronic Wasting Disease. Under state law, any CWD detection triggers an immediate multi-year baiting and feeding ban in that county and adjacent areas. There are currently 60 counties under the restriction. Locally that includes Lincoln, Oneida, Langlade, Marathon, Vilas, and Forest Counties. Hunters can check county-specific rules and CWD drop-off testing locations online at dnr.wi.gov before heading out into the woods this season.

Published on 09/16/2026 under News A Wausau woman faces multiple charges following a multi-county police chase down U.S. Highway 51. Back on Friday, Lincoln County deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a southbound vehicle weaving on the Highway near Merrill. A deputy located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, however the driving continued south into Marathon County. The pursuit ended when the vehicle pulled over north of Wausau. Deputies identified the driver as Sylvia Fritsch of Wausau. After showing signs of impairment and failing field sobriety tests, Fritsch was arrested and taken to the Lincoln County Jail. She faces charges including second-offense OWI, fleeing an officer, and resisting arrest. Both the Marathon County Sheriff's Office and Merrill Police assisted during the incident.

Published on 09/15/2026 under News Officials are seeking information regarding recent damage to a local monument in Tomahawk. Veterans Memorial Park features a memorial tribute honoring those who have served the country, including a statue of Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipient Einar Ingman. Sometime past week, damage was discovered on the monument. The barrel of the rifle on the statue was broken off. The park location may have been in the range of several nearby business security camera systems. Investigators will work with owners to determine if any useful details may have been captured. Regardless of whether the incident was intentional vandalism or accidental, officials are asking whoever is responsible, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Published on 09/15/2026 under Sports In the battle for Lincoln County Volleyball, Tomahawk was swept at the Hatchet House by the Merrill Blue Jays Tuesday night, 25-13, 25-12, 25-10. The Hatchets were unable to compete with the Blue Jays' serving and serve-receiving Tuesday. Lauren Reibe led the way with five kills for the Hatchets as they fall to 4-13 on the season and 0-3 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk will have a night of practice before returning back to the Hatchet House Thursday for a showdown with perennial powerhouse Stratford. First serve is at 7:00.

Published on 09/15/2026 under News With an influx of visitors arriving in the Northwoods for the Tomahawk Fall Ride, local officials are asking all motorists—whether traveling on two wheels or four—to safely share the road. While the event brings a festive atmosphere, the weekend typically sees a handful of motorcycle crashes. Local law enforcement agencies hope drivers and riders alike will do their part to prevent accidents. Officials emphasize that motorcycles have a smaller profile than passenger vehicles, making it easy to misjudge their speed and distance. Drivers are urged to look twice at intersections, double-check blind spots before changing lanes, and stay alert for increased pedestrian traffic around event venues. Motorists should also watch for temporary speed limit reductions, added stop signs, and street closures put in place to accommodate the crowds. Above all, public safety officials offer a familiar reminder: slow down, put away distractions, and never drive impaired. Speaking of law enforcement, the Tomahawk Police Department continues their Fall Ride tradition of bringing in additional officers via mutual aid requests. We'll have a bit more on that program later this week.

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