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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 Fall Sports Update 9-24-26

Published on 09/24/2026 under Sports Hatchet Cross Country Places in Top 5 at Three Lakes Tomahawk's cross country squads finished in the top three of the Three Lakes Invitational Thursday afternoon. The Hatchet girls placed second out of nine teams in the invite, placing only behind GNC Favorite Lakeland. Charlee Lund and Elise Gibeault each finished in the top five individually. Lund placed fourth with a time of 20:19. Gibeault was fifth with a time of 20:49. As for Tomahawk's boys, they would finish tied for third with Laona-Wabeno in the invite. The Hatchets only placed behind Florence and Lakeland. Three Hatchet boys placed in the top 20. They were Jordyn Carew at 14th, Connor Zorn at 15th, and Dawson Jones at 20th. The Hatchets' next meet is next Thursday as they head to Athens. Events begin at 4:00. Girls Team Results: Lakeland - 1st Tomahawk - 2nd Three Lakes/Phelps - 3rd Northland Pines - 4th Antigo - 5th Boys Team Results: Lakeland - 1st Florence - 2nd Tomahawk 3rd Laona-Wabeno - 4th Northland Pines - 5th Antigo - 6th Crandon 7th Tomahawk Girls Swimmers Suffer Narrow Loss to Antigo The Hatchet Girls swimmers came up just short in their Great Northern Conference Dual Thursday in Antigo, losing to the Red Robins, 68-56. Despite the loss, the Hatchets had six first-place finishes in the GNC Dual meet. Kaylee Roberts would place first in the 50 and 100 Freestyles. Roberts would finish with times of 35.84 seconds and 1:17.67, respectively. Aubrey Tollefson took first in the 400 freestyle with a time of 5:44.29. Kourtney Busterud placed first in the 200 Freestyle and 100 backstroke. The final first-place finish came from Sloane Eisenmann in the 100 breaststroke. The loss drops Tomahawk to 0-7- in Dual action. The Hatchets are back in the pool Tuesday for a double dual with Wausau East and Medford. Events begin at 5:30. Hatchet Volleyball Upsets Prentice at Home, Goes 1-2 at Quad Tomahawk's volleyball squad would go 1-2 in their home quad Thursday night. The Hatchets would start the night off with an upset of #5 in Division 5 Prentice in three sets. After the victory, Tomahawk would get swept in straight sets by defending Division 5 State Champion Newman Catholic and #3 in Division 3 Marathon. The Hatchets now stand at 5-16 on the season and 0-4 in GNC Play. Tomahawk heads out on the road this weekend for an invite at Abbotsford. Their matches will be against Mondovi, Adams-Friendship, Abbotsford, Spencer, and Rosholt. Matches begin at 9:00.

Published on 09/24/2026 under News Over the past six years, the Tomahawk Community Thrift Shop has handed out more than a quarter of a million dollars to support local non-profits. But now the group is looking for a little community support. While the volunteer-run organization usually hands out grant checks twice a year, recent unexpected building repairs have forced them to temporarily shift funds to address immediate maintenance. Work has included heating, air conditioning, water heater, and masonry work. To ensure long-term stability, board members Joe and Bonnie Trapp are focusing on building up a dedicated building, and if all goes well could potentially raise enough to purchase their building. Supporters can contribute through donation jars at the registers, by scanning the digital donation link on the shop's Facebook page, or simply continuing to shop at the store. In addition to construction campaign, they are also accepting applications for the volunteers that keep the store running, especially with winter coming as many of their staff are snowbirds who head south for at least a portion of winter. Despite these sudden expenses, the shop remains committed to its core mission: their winter grant period will still run from November 1st through the end of December. That conversation with the Trapps is available in the WJJQ Audio Center.

Published on 09/24/2026 under News Some retired medical equipment right here in Tomahawk is getting a second life, helping train the next generation of healthcare workers. Aspirus Health announced they have donated two ultrasound systems, previously in service at the local hospital, to Concordia University's sonography program. Instead of simply decommissioning the machines during recent technology upgrades, health leaders decided to pass them along to students for real-world practice. Aspirus Imaging Manager Laurie Lemke says they wanted to ensure the equipment kept providing value by giving students hands-on time with the exact tech they'll use in their future careers. Along with the ultrasound units, Aspirus is sending over extra probes and transducers—helping build a stronger pipeline for future imaging professionals across northern Wisconsin.

Published on 09/24/2026 under News Several people were injured late Wednesday morning after an SUV crashed into the Tomahawk Family Restaurant on North 4th Street. Responders were dispatched to the popular eatery after the vehicle struck the south side of the building, with its front half plowing completely into the dining area. Fortunately, witnesses report that no diners were sitting directly in the path of the vehicle at the time of the crash. However, several individuals received treatment for undisclosed, non-life-threatening injuries. Crews spent several hours on the scene removing the SUV and boarding up the damaged wall. There is no immediate word on what caused the crash. After initially saying they would be closed a few days, Tomahawk Family Restaurant announced they will actually re-open Thursday afternoon. This marks the second time in a week that a vehicle has struck a business along the North 4th Street corridor, following an SUV crashing into a local car wash last week.

Published on 09/24/2026 under News Numerous published authors call the Northwoods home, and an upcoming event in Rhinelander aims to showcase their work. The Rhinelander District Library is partnering with Rhinelander High School to host its fourth annual Local Author Fair. Having nearly doubled in size, this year's event features 24 writers representing a wide array of styles and genres—from short stories and children's books to full-length novels. One common thread among the participants is their connection to Wisconsin and the Northwoods, a region that frequently serves as the setting or inspiration for their work. Event organizers note that attendees will have the opportunity to interact with authors directly to learn more about their backgrounds, writing processes, and creative influences. Following the meet-and-greet, New York Times bestselling Wisconsin author and humorist Michael Perry will deliver a keynote speech. Best known for works such as Population 485 and Truck: A Love Story, Perry will share insights from his storied career as a writer, speaker, and rural firefighter. The fair begins at 10:00 a.m. this Saturday at Rhinelander High School, with the keynote address taking place at noon.

Published on 09/24/2026 under News With thousands of hunters hitting Wisconsin waters for duck and goose season, the Department of Natural Resources is issuing a reminder on water safety. Around 75,000 hunters participate in the state's waterfowl season each year. Beyond basic boating safety, officials note that late-season hunting introduces extra hazards that require added caution. Safety starts on land. Overloading a boat can cause instability and increase the risk of capsizing. DNR Lt. John Sinclair notes, "A balanced boat is a stable boat." Weight should be evenly distributed throughout the craft, and gear must be loaded so it doesn't obscure navigational lights. Sinclair also emphasized that wearing a life jacket is the best defense against unexpected mishaps, recommending bright, easily visible colors. Other essential safety tips include:Watch for environmental hazards: Keep an eye out for sudden weather changes; and with low water levels this fall, keep an eye out for stumps, rocks, sandbars, and floating debris.Stay connected: Bring a fully charged cell phone and always let someone know your destination and expected return time.

Published on 09/24/2026 under News Seniors across Wisconsin have been gathering over the past year to raise their voices on key issues. Later today, Wausau takes center stage as local older adults gather for the North Central Wisconsin Senior Summit. The event runs this afternoon, September 24th, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Lakeview Conference Center in Wausau. The summit gives area seniors a direct platform to share their daily struggles, discuss regional hopes, and connect with neighbors face-to-face. Across previous statewide events, recurring concerns have centered on housing, isolation, healthcare, and transportation—with healthcare and transit consistently ranking highest. Organizers stress that while these challenges exist statewide, meeting in person is crucial to understanding how they uniquely impact local communities. Local organizer Tony Omernik says, "It's one thing to look at reports and figures, and another to look one another in the eye." Omernik added, "We share the issues and opportunities we see for our communities, and then we create a path forward." The summit opens with a keynote presentation from Ben Lee, CEO of United Way of Marathon County, highlighting the area's most pressing needs to kick off community discussions.

Published on 09/23/2026 under News Fresh off the Fall Ride, one of the area's biggest tourism events of the year, Tomahawk's Finance Committee took a closer look at how one specific category of visitor dollars is spent. The City currently collects a 4% room tax, which is administered through a partnership with the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce. At a special meeting last night, the Finance Committee recommended establishing a Tourism Commission to provide an added layer of guidance and oversight for those funds. State law restricts how room tax revenue can be spent, requiring the majority to be earmarked for tourism promotion. During the meeting, Chamber Director Charis Lau gave a presentation detailing current marketing efforts, which range from targeted digital advertising to regional partnerships with Discover Wisconsin. While only the City of Tomahawk and the Town of King currently collect a room tax locally, there is a growing push to include neighboring townships like Harrison, Nokomis, and Bradley. Regional adoption could eventually allow the Chamber to transition into a Visitors Bureau, a specific state designation with separate operational and funding guidelines. The Finance Committee acted on two ordinance proposals, recommending both for final approval by the City Council. This includes creating the Tourism Commission, though the original draft was amended to expand the body from five to seven members, combining city officials and representatives from the local lodging industry. If approved by the full Council, the local commission may ultimately be short-lived. Should neighboring townships adopt their own room taxes, the next logical step would be forming a joint municipal commission to oversee the shared funding.

Published on 09/23/2026 under News Mental health and substance use disorders affect every community, family, and age group. A gathering in Rhinelander this evening aims to break the stigma and celebrate recovery. Community partners in Oneida County are hosting "Light Up the Night for Recovery" as part of National Recovery Month this September, serving as a reminder that recovery is possible for everyone. Because support is a vital piece of the recovery journey, the family-friendly event will feature a community resource fair, games, refreshments, and a space for story-sharing. Attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate recovery, honor those lost, and connect with peer support networks. Jenny Chiamulera, Oneida County Community Health Specialist and event co-organizer says, "Recovery looks different for everyone, but no one should have to walk the journey alone. Light Up the Night for Recovery brings our community together to celebrate hope, share stories, and remind people that support is available." Light Up the Night for Recovery takes place tonight at Hodag Park in Rhinelander from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Published on 09/23/2026 under News More than 1,300 Oneida County residents are currently living with dementia—and over the weekend, many of those individuals, their families, and local supporters came together to walk for a cure. Rhinelander hosted its annual Walk to End Alzheimer's at the Hodag Dome on Saturday morning. According to event organizers, nearly 400 walkers participated, helping to raise more than $200,000. That fundraising total is expected to grow, as organizers will continue accepting donations through the end of the year. Dave Grams, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter, called the turnout "nothing short of extraordinary." He says, "To see so many people come together, each with their own story and their own reason to walk, was incredibly moving." In addition to funding critical research, the proceeds directly support local families by providing access to education, community resources, and support services.

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