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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

Local Snowmobile Clubs Remind Riders to Stay Off Trails Until Opening

Published on 12/15/2025 under News Northwoods snowmobilers are eager to get their sleds out, but local clubs are encouraging riders to keep them in park until the trails are officially open. With some early snow cover this season, the trails may look inviting, but do remain closed at this time across most of our region. While the previous two years were extremely challenging due to mild temperatures and minimal snow, it's still early for a typical season. Over the previous decade, the average opening date for Northwoods snowmobile trails is around December 23. Whether we hit that target remains to be seen. This past week, we heard from some of the volunteers with the Northwoods Passage Club, responsible for maintaining trails north of the Tomahawk area. They noted that while people may see their groomers and other equipment out on their trail system, it doesn't mean they are open to the public. They are working to pack, prep, and clear the trails. Similar to their ongoing 'Respect the Landowners' campaign which encourages riders stay on the trails; rules need to be followed when it comes to the opening and closing of trail systems as well. It's important to note that most club members and decision-makers ride themselves and are just as eager to get trails open as soon as possible. For those who don't want to wait for Mother Nature, the best bet is to actually head south. As several counties in southern Wisconsin have opened. Closer to home, there are some segments open in Iron and Marathon Counties as of Sunday, December 14.

Published on 12/15/2025 under News Local law enforcement agencies will be working to reduce the number of impaired drivers on roadways over the holiday season. As they do each December, the Department of Transportation, and their partners have launched their annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday campaign. The effort, which runs through January 1, includes increased patrols for impaired driving coupled with public education and outreach. During the last holiday season, a two week period, the DoT reports there were more than 400 crashes involving impaired drivers around the state. Those incidents killed nine people and injured 169 others. State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says,"Every crash caused by impaired driving is preventable. We are increasing efforts to keep impaired drivers off the road, but we need drivers to make responsible choices and consider others before getting behind the wheel." In addition to maintaining sobriety behind the wheel, the DoT is also encouraging drivers to slow down, eliminate distractions, and buckle up during holiday travel. The Drive Sober Campaign kicked off over the weekend and runs through New Year's Day.

Published on 12/15/2025 under News Officials have identified the previously unidentified remains of a World War II airman as a Rhinelander man. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced that US Army Air Forces Corporal John Ginzl was accounted for earlier this year. After fully briefing family, they provided additional details. In 1942, Ginzl was stationed the Philippines. He was among those captured and held as a prisoner of war. In late 1944, Ginzl was being transported by his captors, when the ship he was on sunk by a US bomber, unaware of the allied POWs aboard. At the time, the unidentified remains of more than 300 individuals were recovered and buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. Modern analysis was recently used to identify Ginzl. According to the release, a rosette will be placed next to Ginzl's name at the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines to indicate he has been accounted for. He is expected to be buried here in the Northwoods this spring.

Published on 12/15/2025 under News Another sure sign of winter's arrival... Wisconsin's frozen road laws are beginning to take effect. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced that as of Sunday morning, the declaration will be in place for zones 1 and 2, which comprise roughly the northern half of the state. By comparison, the declaration for zones 1 and 2 went into place December 21 last year. The frozen road law allows heavier loads for trucks carrying certain cross-cut forest products, along with salt and sand for winter maintenance. The declaration is issued once the ground under highway pavement is frozen to adequate levels underneath. The higher weight limits do not apply to county or local roads unless authorized by the local authority. According to the DoT, the frozen road determination for the remaining portions of the state will be made once conditions warrant.

Published on 12/15/2025 under News The DNR is reviewing their turkey management plan, and there are still a few days left for the public to offer an initial round of feedback. The state's turkey management plan is designed to guide and inform practices and priorities related to the state's turkey population. The plan is updated every ten years, most recently adopted in 2015. A committee of stakeholders has been created to prepare a draft plan for consideration. As part of the review process they're accepting feedback from the public. That feedback period is winding down later this week. Once compiled the public feedback will be reviewed by the Committee. They'll also begin to develop a first draft of the Turkey Management Plan. That draft plan will also have a public review and comment period. It will ultimately be presented to the Natural Resources Board for consideration. The DNR has established an online public comment tool which will remain open through Thursday.

Published on 12/12/2025 under News Lincoln County Health Department is reminding the public to take steps to protect themselves from extreme cold this winter. Exposure to cold temperatures can cause frostbite and hypothermia and has the potential to be life threatening. Anyone can have health issues from cold weather, but some people have a higher risk. This includes older adults, young children, people with health conditions, and those who do not have safe, warm housing. Lincoln County is fortunate to have organizations and businesses who volunteer to serve as warming centers. These places welcome the public to get relief from extreme cold during their business hours. We would like to thank the following locations for serving as Warming Centersthis winter. Gleason Bowling Center N4878 Hwy 17, Gleason (715) 873-4588 Monday, 11 am – close, Tuesday, closed, Wednesday – Saturday, 11 am – close, Sunday, 11 am – 9 pm Les & Jim's Lincoln Lanes 1208 N. Center Avenue, Merrill (715) 536-9405 Monday – Thursday, 11am – 9pm, Friday, 11am – 11pm, Saturday, 9am – 11pm, Sunday, 11am – 4pm Lincoln County Service Center801 N. Sales Street, Merrill Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 4:30 pm Friday, 8 am – 1 pm MAC Home Warming Center407 W. Main Street, Merrill (715) 722-1200 Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 9 pm (standard screening will be done upon entry) Merrill Enrichment Center303 N. Sales Street, Merrill (715) 536-4226 Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 4 pm Riverside Athletic Club500 S. Center Avenue, Merrill (715) 536-2481 Monday – Thursday, 6 am – 8 pm Smith Multi-Purpose Center (MARC)1100 Marc Drive, Merrill (715) 536-7313 Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4pm Strikers Tomahawk Bowl309 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Tomahawk (715) 453-3245 Monday, 5 – 11pm, Tuesday, 3 – 11pm, Wednesday – Sunday, noon – 11pm (hours may vary) T.B. Scott Free Library106 W. First Street, Merrill (715) 536-7191 Monday – Thursday, 10 am – 7 pm Friday, 10 am – 5 pm Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm Tomahawk City Hall (715) 453-4040 23 N. 2nd Street, Tomahawk Monday – Friday, 8 am – 12pm, 1 – 5pm Tomahawk Public Library300 W. Lincoln Avenue, Tomahawk (715) 453-2455 Monday – Thursday, 10 am – 7 pm Friday, 10 am – 5 pm Saturday, 10 am – 1 pm Tomahawk Senior Center113 S. Tomahawk Avenue, Tomahawk (715) 453-5757 Monday – Friday, 9 am – 3 pm Wal-Mart505 S. Pine Ridge Avenue, Merrill (715) 536-2414 Monday – Sunday, 6 am – 11 pm Stay safe during extreme cold, by following these tips: • Watch the weather and follow public safety recommendations. • Be prepared by having an emergency supply kit for your home and vehicle with essentials like food, water, portable phone chargers, flashlights, blankets, sleeping bags and extra clothing. • Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Stay Warm and Indoors • Minimize outdoor activities. • Dress in layers of loose, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Layers trap heat and can help insulate your body. • Wear water repellent jackets, snow pants, hats, mittens and boots. • Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from the cold. • Be safe when using space heaters, a fireplace, or woodstove to heat your home. • Seek out warming centers if needed. Check In on Others • Know the warning signs of frostbite and hypothermia (uncontrollable shivering and disorientation). Seek medical help right away. • Check on family, friends, and neighbors to make sure they are safe.

Published on 12/12/2025 under News Downtown Tomahawk will get into the holiday spirit with the return of Hometown Christmas this evening. This is the sixth year of the revitalized community celebration. It's a collaboration of Hometown Christmas and Main Street Memories Christmas. Festivities actually began in late November with the lighting of the Main Street Christmas tree, sleigh rides, and other festivities. In part two, coming up on Friday the highlights include the Christmas parade and the live window displays. We caught up with Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz to preview the evening. She says the atmosphere of the evening is just magical, made even better if there is just a light snow falling to perfect the setting. That's amplified by the volunteer Christmas Carolers who add to the spirit. She enjoys seeing families walking up and down the street checking out the windows and visiting the small shops and bumping into friends and other familiar faces. There are also a lot of great photo opportunities perfect for Christmas cards or social media posts. They'll also have hot cocoa and cider or enjoy cookies and treats to enjoy by the fire pits and warming stations. The parade kicks off the evening at 5pm with the live mannequin displays to follow.

Published on 12/12/2025 under News Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval® for Acute Stroke Ready Certification. To earn the certification, the hospital underwent a rigorous, on-site review in November. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers conducted observations and interviews and evaluated the hospital's compliance with related certification standards including program management, processes for delivering clinical care, and performance improvement – standards that are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The Tomahawk Hospital Team represents multiple hospital disciplines whose efforts strive to provide extraordinary outcomes for each patient they treat, knowing that every stroke journey is unique. Crucial to the Stroke Team's readiness is their continuous education and knowledge of community risk factors leading to stroke, such as high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. The team uses this knowledge, along with clinical practice guidelines, to proactively collaborate with all Aspirus providers to offer patient education and resources. Time is of the utmost importance. The faster a stroke can be treated, the better the outcome. Aspirus Health encourages everyone to use BE FAST to recognize the signs of a stroke: • Balance; sudden loss of coordination • Eyes; sudden change in vision • Face; sudden weakness on one side or facial droop • Arm; sudden arm or leg numbness or weakness • Speech; sudden slurred speech • Terrible Headache or Time to call 9-1-1 If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a stroke, immediately call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.

Published on 12/12/2025 under News The Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw will be honoring the veterans laid to rest on their grounds as part of a special nationwide holiday program. Coming up Saturday, in National Veterans' Cemeteries around the country, VA officials, family members and volunteers will take part in Wreaths Across America. Over the past few months, they have been busy working to ensure that families, loved ones, and heroes are honored and remembers over the holidays. This is done through the placement of Christmas wreaths at each burial sites. Similar events are taking part around the country. While the tradition dates back further, the Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw has participated since opening in 2019. The wreaths are sponsored and the local cemetery exceeds their goal each year with more than 500 wreaths sponsored this year. This year's theme is 'KEEP MOVING FORWARD' Organizers note, "There will always be challenges to overcome as individuals, communities and a country, but we must keep moving forward together. As for the schedule for Saturday's events, the ceremony will begin at 11am with the ceremonial wreath placement to follow. And they're teaming up with Rondele Ranch, just down the road, for a luncheon following the ceremony. They'll also be offering a complimentary (and encouraged due to limited parking) shuttle bus from Rondele Ranch to the Cemetery which will leave at 10:30am and 10:45am. The Northwoods National Cemetery is located on Lakewood Road in Harshaw.

Published on 12/12/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's boys' wrestling squad notched their second conference dual win of the season, defeating Medford Thursday night on the road, 48-30. The win gives Tomahawk a 5-1 overall record and a 2-0 record in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets will head on the road for their first invite of the season Saturday at Crandon. Events begin at 9:30.

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