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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

Voters in Nokomis Turn Down Proposed EMS Housing Expansion at Fire Department

Published on 11/13/2026 under News It's back to the drawing board for the Nokomis Town Board after voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposed $1.2 million expansion to the fire station to house its 24/7 ambulance crew. Residents packed town hall beyond capacity for Thursday evening's special meeting of the electors, spilling out into the hallways and food pantry. When the ballots were counted, 156 voters opposed the proposal as presented, while just 76 voted in favor. The town board has been working to fix the living situation for the Medic 4 EMS unit, which operates round-the-clock. Crew members currently sleep on cots or air mattresses in an area that does not meet building codes. After weighing five options, a town committee recommended building an addition featuring dedicated bedrooms, office space, and a shared living area. Ahead of the vote, more than a dozen residents spoke during public comment, reflecting a similar split to the final tally. Most prefaced their remarks by saying they want to keep the local ambulance service, noting their opposition was instead aimed at the price tag, the lack of specifics, the chosen option, or the overall process. Another common refrain was to secure outside funding support through grants; though many do require prior project approval or shovel-ready plans to apply. With the proposal defeated, the Town Board will review the feedback and reevaluate its plans.

Published on 11/13/2026 under News As hunters head into the woods and homeowners tackle fall yard cleanup, Lincoln County health officials are reminding residents to watch out for blastomycosis—commonly known as "blasto." While overall risk remains low, local incidence rates are higher than normal, and mild fall weather can create ideal conditions for the fungus to thrive in moist soil, rotting leaves, and decaying wood. Disturbing that ground—by raking brush, digging, hiking, or hunting—can send microscopic spores into the air where they can be inhaled. Health officials say blasto is tricky because symptoms can take anywhere from two to 15 weeks to show up, and they closely mimic common respiratory illnesses—including fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, and chest or back pain. If you develop respiratory symptoms that linger or get worse, officials urge you to see your healthcare provider and mention any recent outdoor activities that disturbed the soil. Early diagnosis is key, as most cases require prescription antifungal medication. You can find more information on the Lincoln County Health Department's website.

Published on 11/13/2026 under News A Wausau-based nonprofit is helping Northwoods veterans through the use of service dogs. Since 2017, the four-person team at Patriot K9s has paired 130 service dogs with local veterans. That team includes Program Manager Sarah Kasper, a Tomahawk native, who joined our morning conversation this week. She explained the organization specializes in psychiatric service dogs for veterans living with conditions like PTSD. Kasper notes that dogs, in general, are really good at recognizing behavior. These dogs are specially trained to spot subtle physical "tells" when their handler starts getting anxious or overwhelmed—nudging them to step away, or using deep pressure therapy to lower stress hormones. Basic obedience begins when the puppies are just eight weeks old, through a partnership with a prison-based program at Redgranite Correctional Institution. Upon completion, the dogs are brought to Patriot K9s to be matched with a veteran and undergo further service training. The training process costs approximately $30,000, and Patriot K9s provides the dogs to veterans at no cost. Kasper says they rely heavily on community donations. With a year-long waitlist, their vision is to expand kennel space to help even more veterans. Those interested in hearing the entire conversation with Sarah can check out the WJJQ audio center or visit the organization's website at patriotk9s.org.

Published on 11/13/2026 under News A little elbow grease and local know-how will be on full display at the Hodag Dome tomorrow as Rhinelander hosts a free community Repair Fair. Earlier this year, event organizers put out a call for skilled local fixers to volunteer their time and knowledge. The event covers a wide range of everyday essentials including textile and jewelry repair, bicycle adjustments, woodworking, knife sharpening, tech troubleshooting, and fixes for small electronics and sewing machines. They also plan to have a donated craft exchange table. The goal isn't just to repair your belongings for free; it's to keep useful items out of the landfill and pass along practical, hands-on skills so you can learn how to make future fixes yourself. As organizers put it, sometimes all it takes is the right person with the right skill to bring something back to life. The Repair Fair runs Saturday, November 14th, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Hodag Dome. Admission and repairs are completely free.

Published on 11/13/2026 under News Quick work by Pine River firefighters kept a vehicle fire from spreading into the woods yesterday. Just after 11:30 yesterday morning, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call reporting a vehicle fire on Pine Dells Road. When the first deputy arrived on the scene, the cab of a Ford F550 utility truck was almost completely engulfed. The deputy deployed his fire extinguisher, though the flames were already too advanced to contain. Pine River firefighters arrived shortly after and quickly extinguished the truck fire. DNR crews assisted on the scene as they worked to contain the flames that had spread into the nearby woods. The truck, registered out of the Wausau area, was unoccupied. An immediate cause wasn't determined and remains under investigation.

Published on 11/12/2026 under News More than 120 of the area's top high school singers and musicians are heading to Eagle River tomorrow for the 16th annual Great Northern Conference Music Festival. Northland Pines was selected as this year's host school, with students from the eight GNC schools attending the day-long event. The festival gives invited young musicians a chance to connect with peers from across the region while working directly with collegiate instructors. Two professors from Northern Michigan University in Marquette will serve as this year's guest conductors—Dr. Erin Colwitz leading the choir, and Dr. Steven Riley directing the band. Choir students will also be accompanied by Norma Yaeger and featured local violinist Cindy Nelson. The day wraps up with a public concert by the GNC All-Conference ensembles at 5 p.m. in the Northland Pines Middle and High School auditorium, located at 1800 Pleasure Island Road in Eagle River. Admission is free, though donations will be accepted to help cover festival costs.

Published on 11/12/2026 under News Four more local veterans will take part in a future Never Forgotten Honor Flight, all thanks to students from the Tomahawk School District. As part of yesterday's Veterans Day program, the Tomahawk Elementary Student Council presented three ceremonial Honor Flight boarding passes to veterans in attendance: Thomas Garrigan, Jim Hanson, and Douglas Gutbrod. A fourth pass will be awarded at a later date. Student Council Adviser Megan Barker explained that elementary and middle school students raised more than $2,100 through various fundraisers this fall. Jim Campbell, founder of the local Honor Flight chapter, was also on hand at yesterday's program. He noted that Tomahawk students have now sponsored 72 veterans on the Honor Flight. A Tomahawk alum, he noted he was proud of his alma mater. In addition to supporting the Honor Flight, the students contributed to Wreaths Across America, funding the placement of 18 wreaths at the Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw for the upcoming holiday season. The expanded Veterans Day ceremony also included speeches, essays, and performances from the school band and choir. A recording of the program is available on the district's YouTube channel.

Published on 11/12/2026 under News A little more than a week after the general election, residents in Nokomis will vote once again—this time on a proposed expansion to the fire station to provide living quarters for the 24/7 ambulance crew housed at the facility. Built in 2002, the Nokomis Fire Station expanded to include EMS services in 2009. In recent years, paramedic shift rotations transitioned from 12-hour to 24-hour schedules. Currently, the Medic 4 crew relies on cots or air mattresses in an area that does not meet building codes. Five options were considered, ranging from remodeling the current accommodations to building a standalone facility. Ultimately, a town committee recommended constructing a station addition featuring dedicated bedrooms, office space, and a shared living area. That option carries an estimated price tag of around $1.2 million. While the 24/7 staffing model has successfully reduced local ambulance response times, some residents have voiced concerns regarding the project's overall cost as well as the voting process. Committee members said they approached Oneida County, neighboring townships served by the crew, and Aspirus for financial support, though those efforts were unsuccessful. The county will continue to pursue grants and donations. Tonight at 6 p.m., the town will hold a special meeting of the electors at the town hall to vote on the recommendation. Only Nokomis residents are eligible to participate. If the electors decide not to move forward with the proposal, the committee will need to reevaluate its plans.

Published on 11/12/2026 under News The Rhinelander Food Pantry is better stocked thanks to a group of local students and the generosity of the community. Around Halloween, student members of the Rhinelander High School FBLA/DECA chapter brought back their annual Trick-or-Can food drive. Rather than a traditional drive where organizers wait for the community to bring in donations, Trick-or-Can brings the food drive directly to residents' doorsteps while raising awareness about local food insecurity. Students distributed collection bags to select neighborhoods and returned the following week to pick them up. Instead of candy, they collected nonperishable food items. In total, the students delivered roughly 973 items to the Rhinelander Food Pantry, about 200 more than last year. Trick-or-Can is part of a statewide campaign, and Rhinelander students typically rank in the upper half for collections each year. While planning for the next drive won't begin until the upcoming school year, organizers hope to get more volunteers and neighborhoods involved next October.

Published on 11/12/2026 under News More than eleven million dollars in state clean energy funding is heading across Wisconsin, including two major projects right here in the Northwoods. Governor Tony Evers and the Public Service Commission announced thirty-six grant recipients through the Energy Innovation Grant Program. In Rhinelander, specialty paper manufacturer Ahlstrom was awarded one million dollars to modernize its drying operations. By replacing older equipment with high-efficiency natural gas infrared dryers, the plant plans to cut energy consumption and boost long-term competitiveness. Meanwhile, the School District of Crandon is receiving over six hundred twelve thousand dollars to install a school-owned solar array, battery storage, and micro-grid system. The project will lower utility costs and turn the school campus into a resilient backup power center for the community during emergency grid outages. State officials note demand for the grants far outpaced available funds, making these local investments a major win for energy reliability and efficiency across Northern Wisconsin.

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