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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

Northwoods COPE Hosting Light Up the Night for Recovery Event in Rhinelander Thursday

Published on 09/17/2025 under News Mental health and substance use disorder affect all communities, people, and age groups. A gathering in Rhinelander this evening looks to end stigma and celebrate recovery. Community partners in Oneida County are hosting the now annual, Light Up the Night for Recovery. It coincides with National Recovery Month and serves as a reminder that recovery is for everyone. An important part of recovery is support. That's where the Light Up the Night event comes in. People will be able to celebrate recovery, remember those whose lives were lost, and connect with others for recovery support. The family-friendly evening will include a community resource fair, but also games, refreshments, and a chance for story-sharing. Jenny Chiamulera is helping organizer the event in her role as the Oneida County Community Health Specialist. She says, "Lived experience is valuable and story telling is a powerful tool used to provide information and help us understand what substance use disorder really is." The event's keynote speaker will be the Oneida County circuit judge Mary Sowinski. For those that would like to attend, Light Up the Night will take place at Hodag Park in Rhinelander from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. The speakers are scheduled around 6pm.

Published on 09/17/2025 under News Last month Lincoln County completed the sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home. Now the County Board is looking to use some of the sale proceeds to pay off debt to save the county money in the long term. The supervisors took up that resolution at their meeting Tuesday. The measure addresses two different instances of Pine Crest borrowing that added up to approximately $6.8 million for previous renovations at the skilled nursing facility in Merrill. According to the resolution, by paying off a majority of these loans early, the county expects to save approximately $1.3 million in interest over the period of borrowing, which originally ran through 2036 and 2038 respectively. Last month, Lincoln County finalized the sale of Pine Crest Nursing home to Jack Pines Healthcare LLC, a division of Ensign Group for $9.5 million. They'll utilize a portion of that revenue to fund the loan repayment. After some brief discussions by supervisors, they ultimately approved the resolution by voice vote. _____ It was a report filled Lincoln County Board meeting, including annual updates from the Aging and Disability Resource Center, an audit report from Clifton Larsen Allen, and on the Sheriff Department Budget. Among resolutions approved on the evening: a proclamation recognize the Tomahawk and Merrill Chambers during Chamber of Commerce Recognition Month; an easement for a natural gas line under the Hiawatha Trail; the sale of a property claimed by taxes delinquency; and continued settlements of ongoing opioid lawsuits. The supervisors did take some additional time on discussing a resolution placing the remaining $1.8 million from the Pine Crest sale into the capital improvements fund. Ultimately it was approved with an amendment that the public property and ad-hoc property committee present a capital improvement priorty list to the board by the December meeting.

Published on 09/17/2025 under News The Wisconsin DNR is reliant upon citizen scientists to help monitor populations of animals of all shapes and sizes. Their latest effort focuses on herptiles, better known as snakes, lizards, frogs and salamanders. With the final days of summer upon us, and temperatures will begin to cool, Wisconsin reptiles and amphibians will begin their migration from summer breeding areas and foraging spots to their winter hibernation homes. This often involves the risk of crossing roads or trails. Some may also seek the warmth held in pavement. By reporting sightings of these reptiles and amphibians on and around Wisconsin's roads, drivers can help researchers better understand where their populations occur and save more of them in the future. DNR conservation zoologist Rich Staffen says, "We are trying to minimize this mortality, and the public can help by reporting where they are seeing this happen. By identifying high road mortality areas, we know where we can incorporate mitigation efforts to reduce the threat to crossing animals in those locations." People can report common road or trail crossing locations including live herptiles or those who've unfortunately been struck. The DNR has a reporting form on their website.

Published on 09/17/2025 under News Electric vehicle drivers will be able to grab a butter burger and cheese curds while charging their cars thanks to a new Northwoods partnership. Zero 60 is teaming up with FTI and the Rhinelander Culver's location to introduce four high speed charging stations outside of the restaurant. They highlighted the location located along a state-designated Alternative Fuel Corridor. Zero6 Energy, will finance, own and operate the station, while FTI will engineer, design, develop, install and commission the site. Wade Leipold, executive vice president of FTI says, "Partnering with a well-known brand like Culver's gives us a unique opportunity to combine Midwest hospitality with clean, convenient charging." This project was funded, in part, through the Wisconsin DoT Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. According to their website, Zero 60 currently has an expanding network of charging sites in New York, California, Colorado and Wisconsin. Along with Culver's they have partnerships with other popular restaurants including In-N-Out and Chipotle.

Published on 09/17/2025 under News While the summer ice cream season is winding down, Wisconsin 4-H groups can once again play a role in creating a limited edition flavor for next season. Cedar Crest Ice Cream recently launched their annual 4-H Flavor Creation Contest. For the past decade, the Cedarburg-based ice cream maker has invited local 4-H clubs to submit their best flavor ideas. Ultimately, the winning flavor will be sold exclusively in ice cream shops and parlors around the state the following summer. The contest is seen as a way to teach the 4-H'ers about teamwork while showcasing their imagination and creativity. In the announcement, the company noted that judges will weigh in on a combination of fun, unique flavor names and innovative and irresistible flavor combinations Northwoods groups have actually fared well in the competition. The 2024 winner was the Merrill-based Pesobic Pathfinders and their Paul Bunyan themed ice cream. All Wisconsin 4-H clubs are eligible, and they have until mid-November to enter.

Published on 09/17/2025 under News Flu season is right around the corner, and local health departments are hoping to make it easier for residents to get a flu shot. That includes the Lincoln County Health Department which is bringing back their annual Walk-In Wednesday Flu Shot Clinics from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. Starting today and through mid-November, their office will provide flu shots. They note that while you may still get the flu after vaccination, it'll likely be a milder case. They also highlighted that a flu shot protects not only yourself, but also loved ones who may be at higher risk of flu complications. This includes the seniors, those with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and children under 5. The Health Department has additional information on Walk-In Wednesdays on their website.

Published on 09/17/2025 under News The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce didn't have to look far to find their next executive director. As of Monday, Sarah Brooks has taken on the leadership role. It should be a seamless transition. Brooks previously served as the Chamber's Office and Member Engagement Manager, a position she has held since March. Brooks will take over for Clyde Nelson who announced his retirement after 'five years of dedicated leadership' to the organization.

Published on 09/17/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's volleyball squad notched their second straight sweep Tuesday night, defeating Antigo in straight sets, 25-20, 25-11, 25-21. The Hatchets' serving and serve receiving were much improved from their last Great Northern Conference match, notching nine aces as a team. Shelby Borowski finished with 18 assists on the night. Siennah Calkins finished with nine kills and four blocks on the night. Freya Alberg finished with six kills and Jessica Gebauer had four aces on the night. The Hatchets' record improves to 10-9 on the season and 2-1 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk is back in action Thursday night for a non-conference showdown in Stratford.

Published on 09/16/2025 under News The Lincoln County Opioid Task Force has released a new report that analyzes substance use in the county while outlining some steps to address the issue. Over the past year, the Lincoln County Opioid Task Force has studied substance use trends, gathered community feedback, and reviewed available resources and where help is needed. The assessment highlighted five takeaways: access and availability; community norms; family disruption; mental health; and stigma. The report will also help guide the county in spending national opioid settlement funds to help improve health and safety. Erin Ray is Opioid Grant Coordinator for the Lincoln County Health Department. She says, "In order to invest opioid funds in impactful ways, it was important to combine community perspectives with the data collected to tell the whole story." She added, "The final assessment does that and provides a nice road map going forward." The next steps for the task force will be in recommendations to invest the settlement funds to support prevention programs and expand peer support services for people in recovery. They noted ongoing community involvement will remain a top priority as plans move forward. There is actually a resolution on tonight's Lincoln County Board agenda authorizing a mini-grant program utilizing opioid settlement dollars. That full report is available on the Lincoln County website.

Published on 09/16/2025 under News The Tomahawk Fall Ride has come and gone… the influx of motorcycles kept Lincoln County Deputies busy. They highlighted several of these incidents in this week's Lincoln County Sheriff's Report. A crash involving multiple motorcycles sent several people to the hospital. That crash was reported on Friday along County Road A, just north of Tomahawk. Based on the initial investigation, a group of 15 motorcycles were traveling north when the lead motorcycle slowed down for traffic ahead. This caused a chain reaction crash of following motorcycles. The report indicates one driver lost control and clipped another bike causing that driver to be thrown from his motorcycle. Three other trailing motorcycles were also involved. Several parties were transported to Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital by either ambulance and private auto for treatment of undisclosed injuries. A Tomahawk man was arrested following a crash involving a vehicle and a motorcycle. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, that crash happened Saturday on County S near Road Lake Road in the Town of Bradley. Preliminary investigation revealed that two motorcycles were traveling together on CTH S when an oncoming vehicle crossed over the center-line. Both motorcycles took evasive action, however one bike entered the ditch and crashed The operator was transported to a local hospital. Following the investigation, the driver of the vehicle was arrested for 2nd offense OWI causing injury. A Stevens Point man was injured following a motorcycle crash on County Road S in the Town of Skanawan. The driver was unable to recall what happened, but the investigation indicated he failed to negotiate a curve and laid the bike down. The man was wearing a helmet at the time. A motorcycle crash Saturday led to an investigation into a stolen motorcycle. Deputies initially responded that crash on County CC. Deputies found the operator, an Appleton man left the roadway on a curve and struck a culvert. He sustained minor injuries. The man was cited for operating without a license and without a motorcycle endorsement. The deputy also learned the motorcycle had been reported as stolen from Waupaca County in 2021. The man said he had purchased the bike. The deputy is continuing to investigate.

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