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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

Wisconsin’s First Digital Smokey Bear Sign Unveiled in Minocqua

Published on 08/28/2026 under News Even at 82 years old, Smokey Bear is proving he can keep up with the digital age. Officials gathered outside the Minocqua Fire & Rescue Department for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially dedicate Wisconsin's first electronic Smokey Bear sign. It replaces the traditional, manual sign common across the country. Prominently positioned along Highway 51 directly in front of the station, the state-of-the-art, federally funded display allows local officials to instantly update wildfire conditions in real time. This ensures residents and visitors traveling through the Northwoods are immediately alerted to current fire danger levels. Since 1944, Smokey has been the nationwide voice of wildfire prevention, and local officials emphasize that clear, modern communication remains as vital as ever. To cap off the celebration, Dan's Minocqua Fudge created a S'mores-themed ice cream for the event, packed with marshmallow, chocolate chips, Teddy Grahams, and a hint of honey.

Published on 08/28/2026 under News Leaders, business owners, and residents from across the region will gather in Tomahawk this fall to help shape the future of rural Wisconsin. Lincoln County has been chosen as one of just two statewide host sites for the 2026 Wisconsin Small Community Forums. The half-day event, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, will focus on the unique economic and civic opportunities and challenges facing small towns. "Lincoln County is excited to host this year's forum," said Sara Guild, Executive Director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation. She encourages local attendance for the event, which will focus on practical solutions for rural economic and community development. The forum brings together residents, elected officials, and regional organizations to share best practices and actionable strategies. The 2026 agenda highlights key local topics: Rural Housing: A panel discussion on tools, tactics, and strategies featuring state, county, and local leaders.Community-Involved Employers: A spotlight on area businesses that actively invest in local development.Local Case Studies: Presentations showcasing successful regional projects and community initiatives.Interactive Roundtables: Focused discussions on key issues impacting both residents and visitors.The event will take place at the Buedingen Training Center at PCA in Tomahawk. Dunn County will serve as the other statewide host site, holding its forum in Colfax next month. Additional information and registration information.

Published on 08/28/2026 under News A cherished local artist is saying goodbye to Antigo, but the community is celebrating her creativity and dedication. Antigo Visual Arts is honoring 93-year-old artist Joanne March with a special solo exhibition before she relocates to Colorado to be closer to her family. March has been a cornerstone of the local arts scene for decades, known for her vibrant acrylics, paintings, and intricate basket weaving. According to the AVA, March's art reflects her curiosity, creativity, resilience and joy—qualities that have endeared her to fellow artists and the community. Her piece, "The Night Visitor," was awarded Best in Show. More than 70 guests attended the gallery opening earlier this month, a record turnout for an AVA gallery opening. With March heading west shortly, they sent her off with a reception and farewell celebration Thursday. There is still a few more weeks to view March's final local pieces. The gallery will remain open through September 17, located on the 2nd floor of the Langlade County Historical Museum.

Published on 08/28/2026 under News While the Fox Valley tornado dominated headlines last month, Northwoods communities are included in Wisconsin's push for federal storm relief. On Thursday, Gov. Tony Evers formally requested a presidential disaster declaration following the devastating July 27 storms. The request seeks federal assistance for four hard-hit counties: Vilas and Forest in the Northwoods, alongside Outagamie and Winnebago in the Fox Valley. Joint state and FEMA assessments revealed massive destruction across the region:Public Infrastructure: Over $13.8 million in damage to public utilities and roads.Residential Losses: More than $8.2 million in damage affecting over 2,300 homes.If approved by the White House, the declaration will unlock FEMA Individual Assistance for impacted residents, as well as Public Assistance to help local governments repair damaged infrastructure. "Goodwill, grit, and volunteers alone can't fix this disaster," Gov. Evers said in the announcement. "We need emergency disaster aid from the federal government to make it happen."

Published on 08/28/2026 under News Recent rainfall brought temporary relief to parts of the Northwoods this week, but it was not enough to break the drought gripping the region. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report, released weekly on Thursdays, shows dry conditions persisting across northern Wisconsin: Extreme Drought (D3): Expanded westward this week and continues to encompass portions of Oneida, Vilas, Price, and Iron Counties.Moderate to Severe Drought (D1–D2): Covers the majority of the region.Statewide Impact: More than 93% of Wisconsin is currently experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions.Dry soil continues to challenge local agriculture, home gardeners, and lawn care. Additionally, as noted in our earlier discussion on Smokey Bear, these dry conditions keep wildfire risks elevated. Without a sustained, widespread soaking, drought conditions are expected to linger as we head into fall.

Published on 08/27/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's Cross Country Squads began 2026 with top ten finishes at the Hodag Invitational in Rhinelander Thursday morning. The Hatchet girls placed third overall, finishing just 12 points behind meet champion Lakeland. The top Hatchet finisher was Charlee Lund, who placed third overall with a time of 21:28. The other top 10 finisher for the Hatchet girls was Elise Gibeault, placing ninth with a time of 22:29. As for the Hatchet Boys, Tomahawk would finish seventh overall. DC Everest would take the Hodag Invitational Boys Title. The top Hatchet finishers came from Connor Zorn and Jordyn Carew. Zorn placed 33rd with a time of 20:11. Carew placed 34th with a time of 20:12. The next meet for Tomahawk will be next Thursday, hosted by Marathon. Events begin at 4:30. Top Team Finishes from the Hodag Invite: Girls: Lakeland – 1st Rhinelander – 2nd Tomahawk – 3rd Three Lakes/Phelps – 4th Merrill – 6th Boys: Lakeland – 2nd Rhinelander – 3rd Northland Pines – 5th Laona-Wabeno – 6th Tomahawk – 7th Crandon – 8th Goodman-Pembine – 9th

Published on 08/27/2026 under News First responders across the Northwoods have been receiving new emergency response tools this week to help keep their communities safe. The Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Foundation has been awarding grants of up to $2,000 to law enforcement, fire, rescue, and EMS agencies across the region through its Rewarding Responders grant program. That generosity included a pair of stops right here in the Tomahawk area. The Tomahawk Police Department received a grant to purchase additional Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units for cardiac emergencies. As highlighted during Tuesday's Health and Safety Meeting, the department's current units are nearing the end of their service life and the model discontinued. AEDs typically have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years and require regular maintenance. A bit further north, the Nokomis Fire Department was also selected for a Rewarding Responders grant. They will use the funds to purchase an adaptable piercing nozzle kit—a specialized tool designed to quickly direct water into confined spaces such as engine compartments, semi-trailers, or basements. During this cycle, the WPS Foundation is distributing $75,000. Since Rewarding Responders was established in 2014, the program has awarded $750,000 to emergency responders across its service area, primarily focusing on the Northwoods and Fox Valley.

Published on 08/27/2026 under News With school bells set to ring across the Northwoods in the coming days, state and local law enforcement agencies are reminding parents and students to prioritize traffic safety, starting right at the bus stop. Officials encourage families to review the "SAFE" guidelines to keep children secure during their morning and afternoon commutes. S – Stay back: Keep at least five giant steps (10 feet) away from the curb while waiting for the bus.A – Always wait: Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver signals that it is safe to board.F – Face forward: Find a seat quickly and remain seated facing front for the entire ride.E – Exit carefully: Watch your step when getting off, and look left-right-left before crossing the street.Officers strongly recommend that parents of younger or first-time students take a trial walk to their assigned bus stop before the first day of class to practice these safety habits together. Motorists are also urged to stay alert for children near bus stops and walking to school. We'll have a few additional reminders before the first day of class.

Published on 08/27/2026 under News A local establishment is considered a total loss following a heavy commercial structure fire early Wednesday morning along State Highway 70. Minocqua Fire & Rescue was dispatched to Sheri's Pub N Grub shortly before 2:00 a.m. Crews arrived on the scene to find the building fully engulfed in flames. Initial suppression efforts were hindered by a ruptured gas line, which kept the fire fueled until crews from Wisconsin Public Service arrived to secure the utilities. While the emergency utility shutoff triggered power outages for surrounding residents, officials noted the step was essential to ensure firefighter safety. More than a dozen area departments assisted in the five-hour operation, relying on multiple water supplies and specialized equipment to extinguish the blaze. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The blaze was one of two major fires in the Lakeland area early Wednesday morning. Just 45 minutes into the operation, mutual aid resources were stretched as crews were called to a second emergency nearby. (Arbor Vitae Fire Claims Home) Both lead departments praised the critical role of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) during the dual emergencies and expressed gratitude to the many regional agencies that stepped up to assist.

Published on 08/27/2026 under News A home in Arbor Vitae was destroyed early Wednesday morning in a fire, one of two responses across the Lakeland area. Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue was dispatched to the scene just 45 minutes after a blaze broke out at an establishment in neighboring Minocqua. (read more on Fire Destroys Sheri's Pub N Grub in Minocqua) Several Arbor Vitae units that had just arrived to assist at the Minocqua scene were immediately redirected back to their home district following initial concerns that occupants might be trapped inside. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy flames spreading rapidly through the house. Crews pushed through intense heat to perform a primary search, confirming that no residents were inside. Shortly after the search was completed, the roof collapsed under severe fire damage. While the home was deemed a total loss, no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Minocqua Fire & Rescue and Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue both highlighted the vital role played by the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) during the simultaneous incidents, thanking the neighboring volunteer departments for their swift assistance.

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