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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

Tomahawk Public Library Welcomes ‘Mammoth Hunter’ Ice Age Expert

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Published on 07/10/2026 under News Voters in Wisconsin's Seventh Congressional District have a crowded ballot to sort through before the August 11th primary. It's an open seat featuring eight candidates including several relatively unknown political newcomers. To help bridge the geographic divide of the state's largest district by area, the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods is offering a unique opportunity and shared community event to get to know the candidates. All candidates on the ballot have been invited to participate in a forum on July 21 in Wausau. That will be broadcast to local hubs allowing Northwoods residents to gather, watch the debate together, and evaluate their options. The Northwoods chapter will host watch parties at two locations: Rhinelander and Eagle River. League President Debra Durchslag says democracy works best when voters can hear directly from the candidates. The watch locations are open to everyone, regardless of political leanings. We will share specific details and final candidate lineups as the event draws closer.

Published on 07/10/2026 under News As temperatures climb and more people head to Northwoods lakes to cool off, the Oneida County Health Department is reminding swimmers to watch out for an unwelcome summer nuisance: swimmer's itch. The itchy skin rash can develop after swimming in freshwater lakes. Health officials say it is caused by tiny parasites found in some waters. Fortunately, it is not contagious, isn't an infection, and typically clears up on its own within a few days. While it may be difficult, try to avoid scratching. Instead, opt for an anti-itch cream or a cool compress. To reduce the chances of developing swimmer's itch, the health department recommends showering as soon as possible after swimming, drying off thoroughly with a towel, and changing out of wet swimsuits right away. Swimmers are also encouraged to choose areas with moving water and avoid shallow, weedy spots when possible. According to the CDC, the parasites frequently travel on waterfowl, so beachgoers should avoid feeding ducks near popular swimming locations. The reminder is part of Healthy Adventure Week, an initiative by the Oneida County Health Department encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy the Northwoods safely throughout the summer.

Published on 07/10/2026 under News State wildlife officials are asking boaters to ease off the throttle on northern Wisconsin waterways to protect a highly vulnerable and culturally significant native grain. The Department of Natural Resources warns that wild rice plants, known as manoomin by the Ojibwe people, are entering a fragile growth stage. Right now, the young plants look like bright green grass emerging just above the water's surface, making them incredibly easy to uproot. Large wakes and waves from passing boats can completely tear the young rice from the lake bed before it has a chance to mature. Boaters can help protect the crop by maintaining a strict slow-no-wake speed in shallow areas, particularly in bays, backwaters, and near stream inlets where the rice is most abundant. Boaters can check known rice waters before launching by utilizing the DNR's online Surface Water Data Viewer. Wild rice has faced a steep decline over the last few decades due to a variety of factors including warming temperatures and water quality. The annual aquatic plant is not only a critical ecosystem indicator , but it also provides crucial food and habitat for regional waterfowl and wildlife. The plants won't become sturdy enough to support their prized seed stalks until closer to Labor Day, with the Wisconsin wild rice harvest usually taking place in September.

Published on 07/10/2026 under News The skies above Northern Wisconsin have been busy lately with Fourth of July fireworks and roaring F-35 military flyovers, but this weekend, the view from below slows down. The sixth annual Taste N Glow Balloon Fest takes over Stettin today and tomorrow. This year, organizers have arranged for 26 vibrant hot air balloons from across the country to take to the air in Marathon County. In addition to watching from the ground, the festival offers attendees the opportunity to go up in a tethered balloon. To ensure more people can participate, they've even brought in two fully handicap-accessible balloons this year. One of the highlights will take place at dusk. That's when the famous nighttime 'balloon glow' takes place. This is when the pilots light up their burners in unison to create a massive wall of light. For safety reasons, all balloon events remain wind- and weather-permitting. Beyond the balloons, there are plenty of other attractions on the ground, including a professional lumberjack show, a craft fair, and a variety of food trucks.

Published on 07/09/2026 under News A sea of lawn chairs, campers, and cowboy boots has once again taken over the Northwoods. The legendary Hodag Country Music Festival is celebrating its 48th year this weekend, drawing more than 30,000 music lovers to Rhinelander for one of the region's largest summer events. The four-day festival officially kicks off its musical lineup today, Russell Dickerson is the headliners. Over the rest of the weekend, country stars like LeAnn Rimes, Jo Dee Messina, Brothers Osborne, and Old Dominion will take the stage. For the most dedicated Hodag attendees, the fun starts early. Fans gather Wednesday for the traditional "chair line" lottery where concert-goers secure their prime viewing real estate for the weekend. Beyond the music, the festival is a massive boon for the community. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism estimates Hodag injects more than $10 million into the local economy, while giving area non-profits and civic groups a prime opportunity to raise funds. The Hodag runs through Sunday.

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Published on 07/09/2026 under News Fresh off a huge Fourth of July weekend, the Kwahamots Water Ski Show Team is back on the water tonight, and they're welcoming some special guests Tonight is WJJQ Night at ski show. While the radio staff are staying on dry land, we will be handing out tickets for a chance to win a variety of WJJQ prizes including t-shirts, water bottles, and campfire coffee mugs. On the water, the Kwahamots are stars of skiing, jumping, barefooting, and wakeboarding. This is also a tune-up for the team as they prepare to compete in the Wisconsin State Show Ski Championships next weekend. So come out, support the squad before they head to State, and walk away with some swag from the WJJQ crew. The show begins at 7:30pm.

Published on 07/09/2026 under News A vital summer lifeline for Northwoods families is returning this week with a massive expansion plan to tackle childhood hunger. Now in its fifth year, the Hodag Food Wagon provides nutritional support during the summer months when some in-school programs addressing food insecurity pause. After distributing more than 12,000 meals last year, the program is aiming to nearly triple its impact this summer as it rolls into new communities. Coordinated by the Rhinelander Food Pantry alongside UW-Extension FoodWIse, and additional funding through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's Summer Food Service Program. The goal is to give families a boost by pairing kid-friendly food with nutritional education, recipes, and hands-on activities through the "Healthy Hodag" adventure series. While the "Hodag" name is synonymous with Rhinelander, the program's expanded footprint means it will look a little different depending on where you live: In Elcho: The service will operate under the Hornet Food Truck name to match local school pride.In Tomahawk: Organizers have partnered with Kinship of Tomahawk to directly serve local "Kinskids."By tailoring the program to individual towns, organizers hope to ensure no Northwoods child goes hungry this summer.

Published on 07/09/2026 under News After a successful statewide bat count last month, Wisconsin residents will once again have the chance to help researchers this weekend. More than 150 volunteer community scientists participated in June's Great Wisconsin Bat Count, documenting more than 15,000 bats emerging from bat houses, barns and other roosts at more than 60 locations across the state. The survey counted more than 12,500 little brown bats, over 2,500 big brown bats, and even four rare tricolored bats. The DNR says the June survey produced encouraging results, including record numbers of little brown bats while continuing to find tri-colored bats, the states smallest species. The next count takes place July 10 through 12. Unlike the June survey, which occurred before baby bats, known as pups, could fly. This weekend's count will include newly flying juvenile bats. The information helps biologists track how bat populations are recovering from white-nose syndrome and other threats. Healthy bat populations are important natural form of pest control, eating thousands of insects each night including mosquitoes and crop pests. Anyone interested in participating in the surveys or learning how to make their property more bat-friendly can find more information on the Wisconsin Bat Program website.

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