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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 6th and 9th Graders Return to School

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Published on 08/31/2026 under News One person has died in a Vilas County boating incident over the weekend. According to the Vilas County Sheriff's Office, a resident on Sumach Lake called 911 at around 2:30 Sunday afternoon after observing a capsized boat and two men in the water. One of the men was able to swim to shore and seek help. Along with a good Samaritan, they were able to pull the man from the water. He was treated on scene, and transported to Aspirus Howard Young Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. The man's name is being withheld pending notification of family. The DNR is handling the investigation.

Published on 08/31/2026 under News A plea deal has been reached for a man involved in a high-speed pursuit and highway shooting that spanned Marathon and Lincoln counties in October 2023. Court records show 44-year-old Bennie Green pleaded guilty to seven charges earlier this month. This includes five felony counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety with a dangerous weapon, along with OWI causing injury and possession a firearm as a felon. The charges stem from an incident in October 2023 where Green fired at a vehicle on Highway 51 near Brokaw, injuring two people in that vehicle. Lincoln County deputies later spotted Green's vehicle, sparking a pursuit back into Marathon County that ended when a deputy disabled Green's car near Wausau. As part of the plea agreement, six additional charges were dismissed but will be considered at sentencing on November 30.

Published on 08/31/2026 under News Most Northwoods students head back to school this week, prompting local law enforcement to remind drivers to slow down, watch for buses and pedestrians, and obey traffic laws. The Wisconsin State Patrol and the Department of Transportation recently highlighted the critical need for school bus safety. According to the DOT, Wisconsin recorded 655 crashes involving school buses last year, resulting in 70 injuries. State courts also logged more than 1,300 convictions for failure to stop for a school bus. DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman says, "This is an exciting time for families across Wisconsin as another school year approaches, and students are counting on all of us to help keep them safe as they go to and from school." As a reminder, when you see flashing amber lights, slow down and proceed with caution as the bus prepares to stop. Once the buses' red warning lights are activated, stop at least 20 feet away and remain until the lights are switched off. Officials offer several key safety tips for motorists: Slow down in school zones and residential areas and where children are present. Yield right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections. Avoid distractions, put away mobile devices and keep your full attention on the road.

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