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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

Hatchet Girls Basketball Team Wins Season Opener

Published on 11/21/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's girls' basketball squad opened up their season with an impressive second-half performance in Butternut Thursday night, defeating the Midgets, 56-42. After leading by just two at the half, the Hatchets switched to a zone defense to cause turnovers and turn into easy transition points. Freya Alberg finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks. Sophomore Anita Ziert finished with 18 points in her first start of the season. The Hatchets start their season off with a win for a second consecutive season. Tomahawk will begin Great Northern Conference play December 2nd at home against Medford.

Published on 11/20/2025 under News Last winter, Boulder Junction Winter Park introduced the award-winning ice skating trail known as The Glide. The town not only plans to bring back the skating ribbon, but they also have been working on some improvements. Laura Bertch is Chair of the Boulder Junction Park Board. She says, "We're thrilled with the progress made this summer. Winter Park has quickly become a signature destination for residents and visitors alike, and these upgrades will make the experience even more enjoyable for everyone." The Glide was an approximately one mile ice skating trail that looped through a scenic wooded area. It was converted from a under-utilized cross-country ski trail and formerly a railroad. Over the summer the project won a Wisconsin Governor's Outdoor Industry – First Ascent Award for Innovation. For year number two, they are hoping to highlight the charm and hospitality of the Boulder Junction community with new gates and a welcoming entry. The team also worked on smoothing and leveling the skating areas to produce smoother and more consistent ice conditions, while expanding and improving the parking areas. A new woodshed will keep wood dry for the fire pit area. And they are planning to have more community gatherings and events at the park. The Park Board led the effort, but they were quick to pass along praise to the community volunteers and local businesses for their support. And while it's ultimately up to Mother Nature, they hope to open for the season December 20.

Published on 11/20/2025 under News With Thanksgiving a week away, experts anticipate record holiday travel numbers once again. Triple A recently released their annual Thanksgiving travel forecast which overlaps with Wisconsin's deer hunting season. They expect more than 1.7 million Wisconsinites will travel 50 miles or more next week. That would be the highest on record. Most will be by road, as auto travel in Wisconsin is expected to approach 1.5 million over the Thanksgiving holiday. Some good news for those travelers, as gas prices are down slightly from last year with the state average just under $2.85. The Thanksgiving travel window runs from Tuesday through the Monday after Thanksgiving weekend to better reflect recent holiday travel trends. As for those planning their travel to avoid traffic, the busiest times are expected next Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, as well as the Sunday afternoon following Thanksgiving. Often times, the best day for less crowded roads may actually be on Thanksgiving Day.

Published on 11/20/2025 under News When it comes to winter safety, it's important to stay informed. That also means understanding watches, warnings and other weather terminology. As part of Winter Awareness Week, the National Weather Service provided a few words to know. They offered a reminder of a change in weather terminology last year that eliminated the use of windchill watches and warnings. While the dangers of windchill still exist, the classifications are now part of extreme cold watches and warnings instead. Speaking of watches, warnings and advisories, they said generally a watch means to prepare, which may be followed by a warning or advisory which means take action. Another weather term we frequently here in the Northwoods is lake effect snow. According to the NWS, Lake effect snow is created when cold air is moved across a relatively warm, large body of water. Those airs mix creating clouds which result in a narrow band of heavy snow downwind from the lake. In our case, the Canadian air travels across Lake Superior charging the conditions for heavy snows across Northern Wisconsin and the UP. This also occurs along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan. And while we may use a blizzard for any event with a lot of snow, the NWS defines a blizzard as a large amounts of snow (either from the sky or blown from the ground) coupled with winds of at least 35mph and visibility of less than a quarter mile for at least three hours.

Published on 11/20/2025 under News A Wisconsin Rapids man facing numerous charges in Lincoln County including 5th offense OWI has reached a plea agreement. Brandon Banuelos was back in Lincoln County Court for a plea hearing on Tuesday. The 32 year old was facing six charges as a result of an August traffic stop. Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint after a driver reported Banuelos had been following her vehicle, even after she attempted to let him pass. Banuelos failed to stop until the woman pulled into a private property. According to court records, at yesterday's hearing, he pleaded 'no contest' to 3 charges: 5th offense OWI, failure to stop, and disorderly conduct. In exchange, four other charges were dismissed but considered during sentencing. And the case moved directly into sentencing where Banuelos was ordered to serve 2 years in prison followed by 3 years extended supervision. He'll have three years with a suspended driver's license, an ignition interlock device; and no contact with the victim outside of an apology letter. The plea agreement comes just a few weeks before a trial was set to begin on December 2.

Published on 11/20/2025 under News While hunters will fill the fields and forests over the next week, public lands including county state and national, remain open for other fall recreation, as well. Officials put out a reminder for all outdoor enthusiasts to share those spaces. First, for hunters, always make sure to check the rules and regulations for when and where hunting is allowed. For non-hunters, the most important thing is visibility. They recommend brightly colored clothing, blaze orange or fluorescent pink is preferred. The same goes for dogs, and keep them on a leash. While hunter interference is prohibited by Wisconsin law; officials say it is a good idea to make your presence known when passing through a potential hunting location. One of the most important tips is to simply be kind and courteous to each other.

Published on 11/20/2025 under News A Northwoods Healthcare provider and a major insurance carrier have reached a new multi-year agreement. Aspirus Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin (Anthem) announced the new contract on Wednesday. With the new contract, they said Anthem members covered by employer-based, individual, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid health plans in Wisconsin will have uninterrupted in-network access to Aspirus Health doctors and care sites, including Aspirus-affiliated partner providers in the Aspirus Network Inc. Matt Heywood, Aspirus president and CEO said, "Reaching an agreement for the benefit of the patients who count on us for high-quality health care close to home was of the utmost importance to everyone at Aspirus ..." Paul Nobile, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin. "Continuing our long-standing relationship with Aspirus Health helps us deliver on our promise to improve lives and strengthen the health of our central Wisconsin community."

Published on 11/19/2025 under News From a vehicle slide-off to a dead battery, most Wisconsin motorists will become stranded at some point. That's why it's important to carry a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. It's Winter Weather Awareness Week in the state of Wisconsin and today we're looking about some useful items you should keep in your vehicle during the winter months to remain safe and comfortable until you're back on the road. The cold can put a strain on your battery, so it's a good idea to keep a set of jumper cables in the car. Portable jumping units are also handy. If you have one, make sure it is fully charged and check regularly during the winter months. Ready Wisconsin also recommends a tow rope, a small shovel, and either sand or kitty litter to provide traction if you become stuck. Sometimes you'll simply have to wait for help, that's when items like an extra set of winter clothing, blankets, snacks, a cell charger, flashlights, and a battery operated radio are useful. Ready Wisconsin and Lincoln County Emergency Management have a full list of items to consider on their website.

Published on 11/19/2025 under News The state has awarded funding to help communities improve their drinking water quality. That includes several recipients here in the Northwoods. Governor Evers and the DNR jointly announced the latest funding from the Safe Drinking Water Loan program. The program provides a combination of low-interest loans and principal forgiveness for drinking water infrastructure projects. Yesterday's announcement allocated more than $282 million shared by 74 Wisconsin municipalities. Locally, the City of Rhinelander received funding for a new well construction; the Village of Weston for their PFAS treatment. Both Prentice and Phillips received funds for water main projects. The City of Tomahawk has been exploring an application for this program in 2026 to help fund a planned PFAS treatment facility. In Tuesday's announcement, Governor Evers said, "While there is still more work to do, I am incredibly proud of our work to fight PFAS, help private well owners replace their contaminated wells, and replace lead service lines statewide, and these funds bring us one step closer to meeting our goal of ensuring every Wisconsinite has access to clean, safe water." Since the project was introduced in 1998, around $1.5 billion in assistance has been provided to Wisconsin municipalities.

Published on 11/19/2025 under News With the gun deer hunt just a few days away, the DNR is reminding hunters to dress for safety by wearing the appropriate gear for visibility. A state law requiring blaze orange in the field is among factors attributed to a drop in hunting related accidents. In addition to the more traditional blaze orange, a 2016 Wisconsin law allows the use of fluorescent pink, as well. According to the DNR, state law requires at least 50% coverage of orange or pink from the waist up. They note that includes any hats or hoods. Even if you're not hunting, the DNR still encourages other outdoor recreationists to sport blaze orange or pink to ensure safety for everyone enjoying Wisconsin's natural resources. And it's also a good idea for any pets to have a high visibility vest as well to avoid any accidents.

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