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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

58th Never Forgotten Honor Flight Features 101 Year Old WWII Vet

Published on 10/26/2026 under News Another group of Northwoods veterans is in Washington DC, today to visit the monuments and memorials built in their honor. Today's mission marks the 58th overall for the Wausau-based Never Forgotten Honor Flight. It features 98 veterans from across North Central Wisconsin, including 96 Vietnam-era veterans, one Korean War veteran, and one World War II veteran. That WWII Vet is Paul Donatell of Cumberland, Wisconsin; who is 101 years old. He is actually the second centenarian to fly with the organization this year. The roster also highlights strong local representation, including 10 veterans each from Lincoln and Oneida counties. This is the fourth and final flight planned for the year. Dating back to 2010, the hub has transported 5,482 local veterans to the nation's capital. The public, as usual, is invited to welcome the veterans home this evening. Officials recommend arriving at Central Wisconsin Airport no later than 8:30pm. Organizers continue to encourage any area veteran who served in the U.S. military in any capacity prior to May 7, 1975, and has not yet participated, to submit an application.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News Two influential figures in Merrill's history are being remembered following a pair of street sign dedications over the weekend. The City of Merrill Historic Preservation Committee unveiled two honorary street markers celebrating local leaders near the sites of their biggest contributions. On Saturday morning, community members gathered at Grand Avenue and North Genesee Street to honor Ralph "Fata" Voigt, Merrill's longest-serving mayor. After serving as a World War II Army lieutenant, Voigt returned home, established an insurance agency, and was elected mayor nine times, serving from 1960 to 1979. He also founded the "Merrill on the Move" initiative to champion local growth. Then on Sunday afternoon, Mayor Steve Hass and family members gathered at West Main and Thomas Streets to unveil a sign for early industrialist Ferdinand Ollhoff. Ollhoff built a major sawmill on North Thomas Street in 1910, providing steady jobs for early settlers in Merrill's Sixth Ward through the Great Depression. Known statewide for his absolute honesty, Ollhoff was recognized by the committee as a foundational builder of early Merrill.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News Major changes are coming to a popular Northwoods golf course. Rondele Ranch announced the purchase of Pinewood Golf Club in Harshaw, along with renovation plans for the property. Prior to a 2021 sale, the Bromann family operated Pinewood for six decades. Now, Rondele Ranch is taking the reins to revitalize the course. Owner Bob Chadwell says the purchase is about investing in the region and bringing people together. He added, "We see tremendous potential at Pinewood, and we're excited to help revitalize the course and create a place the community can enjoy for years to come." Among the plans for next year is a brand-new clubhouse, capable of hosting up to 150 guests for weddings and banquets. They also plan to install golf simulators. On the course, plans include a new irrigation system, tee boxes, and cart paths. During work they will use the existing clubhouse and all 18 holes will be open. Day-to-day operations will remain in familiar hands, with General Manager and PGA Pro Kyle Christian and Superintendent Tyler Nehls staying on to lead the team.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News With November right around the corner, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is urging residents to make arrangements ahead of the winter heating disconnection moratorium. During the moratorium, which runs from November 1 to April 15, utilities are prohibited from disconnecting residential customers who fall behind on their bills. While Wisconsin law prohibits utilities from disconnecting the service during the winter months, consumers currently disconnected must make arrangements to pay any outstanding bills and have their service restored by the end of the week. Energy assistance is available through the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program. Most utilities will also work with their customers to provide payment plans.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News Drivers in Lincoln County should prepare for a temporary road closure. Lincoln County Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer announced that the County Highway M bridge over the south branch of the Copper River, located about a quarter-mile west of Forks Road, will close for emergency repairs starting this morning. They hope to have the road re-opened by November 20th. Travelers are advised to plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time while work is underway. ____ While one project another project begins...another comes to a close. Crews are putting down pavement markings and completing finishing items on Highway 107 between Wilderness Drive and County S. They hope to remove the detour and re-open the road by the end of the workday on Wednesday.____ Work is also wrapping up this week on Highway 51 in Minocqua. They hope to have work down between Front Street and the Lake Minocqua Bridge by Friday. ____ One DoT project is ongoing on Highway 17 between 64 and Big Hay Meadow Creek in Lincoln County. They'll continue to work in the coming weeks, pause once winter sets in, then resume in the spring.

Published on 10/26/2026 under News It was a pleasant weekend to get a little yard work done. For City of Tomahawk residents who took advantage, It's time once again for the annual fall yard waste pick up. Twice a year, in the spring and the fall, the city picks up lawn waste placed at curbside. Pick up begins Monday. A few quick reminders from the city... Brush should be neatly piled with cut ends of limbs facing the street. Yard waste should be placed in plastic bags and set in the terrace area of the street. The bags should only include yard waste, other rubbish should be placed in your regular garbage pick up. As always, yard waste for city of Tomahawk residents, can also be dropped off at the city collection site on South Tomahawk Avenue.

Published on 10/24/2026 under Sports Gibeault, Lund Head to State Cross Country Halloween Afternoon Two Hatchet Cross Country athletes will be making their trip to the Ridges in the Wisconsin Rapids for the WIAA Division 2 State Cross Country Meet next week. At the Sectional Meet in Rhinelander, Senior runner Elise Gibeault and Sophomore athlete Charlee Lund would each finish in the top ten time-wise, making the Hatchet athletes automatic qualifiers. Gibeaults placed fifth with a time of 20:17. Lund was right behind Gibeault, placing sixth with a time of 20:22. As a team, the Hatchets would finish just outside of the top two, placing third behind Lakeland and Wittenberg-Birnamwood. Tomahawk's boys would place eighth overall in the Sectional Meet. Jordyn Carew finished as the boys' fastest runner with a time of 18:24. Gibeault and Lund will compete in the WIAA Division 2 State Cross Country Meet at the Ridges in Wisconsin Rapids Halloween. The Division 2 Race begins at 12:40. Tomahawk Football Stymied in Second Half at Brillion, Ending Season The Hatchet Football Season would end in the WIAA Division 5 First Round of the Playoffs as they would fall to #3 Brillion Friday night, 27-7. Tomahawk led 7-0 with less than 30 seconds remaining on a 20-yard touchdown run by Hudson Evans. However, the Lions scored 13 points in the final seconds of the first half, including a pick-six as it came to end. After the interception, the Hatchets failed to re-establish any momentum in the second half. Tomahawk was limited to less than 50 total yards and failed to cross the Brillion 50 in the second half. Max Larson finished with 47 rushing yards, leading the way on the ground for Tomahawk. The Hatchet Football squad would finish 4-6 on the season and 4-3 in Great Northern Conference play. 11-Player Football Playoff Scores: ,#5 D2 Marshfield 44, #4 D2 Wausau East 14 #2 D3 Medford 42, #7 D3 Green Bay West 0 #3 D3 Fox Valley Lutheran 54, #6 D3 Rhinelander 14 #4 D3 Luxemburg-Casco 42, #5 D3 Merrill 14 #3 D7 Hilbert 46, #6 D7 Abbotsford 7 8-Player Football Playoff Scores: #6 Athens 48, #2 Hurley 42 #1 Laona-Wabeno 42, #4 Northwood/Solon Springs 0 Hatchet Girls Swimmers Place Ninth in GNC Meet at Lakeland At the Great Northern Conference Girls Swimming Meet in Lakeland Friday, the Hatchet girls as a team would place ninth to wrap up their regular season. The Hatchets as a team would have a couple of ninth-place finishes in relay events. Kami Gabrich, Kortney Busterud, Aubrey Tollefson, and Kaylee Roberts placed ninth in the 400 yard freestyle with a time of 4:33.61. Tomahawk also had Roberts, Busterud, Gabrich, and Sloane Eisenman place ninth in the 200 yard freestyle, clocking in at 2:04.95. Tollefson placed tenth in the 100 breastroke with a time of 1:22.14. The WIAA Division 2 Sectional Meet for the Hatchet Girls Swimmers will take place November 7th at Rice Lake.

Published on 10/23/2026 under News An increase in food insecurity has created a growing need for outreach programs. An impressive event in Minocqua this weekend will help replenish local food pantries and school backpack programs. The Lakeland-Area Lions Club is hosting "Food for Kidz," an annual meal-packaging event, this Saturday and is encouraging community members to lend a helping hand. During the event, volunteers measure bulk food contributions into individual meal-sized packages. The packaged meals are distributed to around two dozen area food pantries, shelters, and after-school backpack programs. The event is also part of a broader outreach initiative that sends packaged meals to areas in need. The local event typically packages around 250,000 meals in a single day—achieving this in just four short hours. That success is made possible by 500 to 600 volunteers working efficiently along assembly lines. Some volunteer slots are still available, and organizers note that while it is a busy day, it is a fun experience supporting a great cause. Organizers have set an ambitious goal of 300,000 meals this year, which would push their lifetime total past 3 million meals since the mission began. Online registration to volunteer, walk-ins can also help. The packing event will take place at Lakeland Union High School on Saturday morning with shifts at 9am and 11:30am.

Published on 10/23/2026 under News Following a well-received premiere last month in Tomahawk, a new feature-length documentary capturing local history is getting a financial boost through regional tourism funds. The Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce has awarded a 5,000-dollar room tax grant to support Tomahawk: City in the Pines. Produced by Tomahawk native Clay Schmit alongside filmmaker John Newcombe, the project uses historical photographs, archival research, and contemporary footage to bring local heritage to life in the 90 minute film. The film debuted in September to strong local reviews. Chamber officials say the grant program supports initiatives that showcase the area's culture and drive local tourism. Executive Director Charis Lau noted that the documentary helps residents reconnect with their roots while offering visitors a deeper appreciation for the community. Looking ahead, Chamber officials say they are exploring additional collaborative film projects to keep sharing Tomahawk's story. For those that missed the screening of Tomahawk City in the Pines; the film is now available to stream online through Kinema.

Published on 10/23/2026 under News As waterfront property owners pull their docks, lifts, and boats for the season, local conservation officials are encouraging residents to check all equipment for aquatic invasive species (AIS). Fall equipment removal provides an ideal opportunity for inspection and thorough cleaning. Taking time to inspect gear helps keep local waterways free from invaders like zebra and quagga mussels, which easily attach to solid structures left underwater over the summer. Others like Eurasian watermilfoil and spiny waterfleas can be spread in weeds and mud. Officials note that pressure washers are an excellent tool for cleaning gear, especially if docks, lifts, or watercraft will be moved to a different body of water. Fall removal is also a prime opportunity to thoroughly drain, wipe down, and dry boats and trailers before placing them into winter storage, preventing invasive hitchhikers from surviving the winter and spreading next spring Property owners are urged to stay vigilant for any new AIS discoveries. If you spot something unusual, snap a clear photo, collect a sample if possible, and share the information with your local AIS coordinator or the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

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