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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 Community Thrift Shop Awarding $52,000 to Local Non-Profits

Published on 01/26/2026 under News More than a dozen community organizations in Tomahawk are receiving belated Christmas gifts, and its all thanks to the Tomahawk Community Thrift Shop. Over the past 6 years, the Tomahawk Community Thrift Shop has gifted more than a quarter million dollars ($270,000 since 2019) to local non-profits through their twice yearly profit distribution. After taking care of their operational costs, the return approximately 75% of their profit to the community. Ahead of their ceremonial check presentations, Joe and Bonnie Trapp stopped by to discuss the store and the latest grant recipients. The Trapps serve on the Board and also as volunteers in the store. The January cycle was record-setting. Eighteen grant recipients will share in $52,000, ranging from $650 to $6,000. Joe said the board considers need and impact on the community in reviewing applications. This includes everything from the TAIV-transportation program and Hometown Christmas to Music on the River and Lincoln County Health Community Baby Shower. (Full list of recipients below) People can help in this mission by continuing to shop at the Thrift Store, or even consider volunteering. This past year, volunteers, including the Trapps, provided more than 7,000 hours of service. For non-profits, the next rounds of grants will be awarded in July. The application period opens May 1-June 30. Recipients and a short description: Tomahawk Boy Scouts-hosting the regional Pinewood Derby; Tomahawk Boy Scouts-transportation to leadership conference; Tomahawk Area Interfaith Volunteers-transportation program; Christmas in July; Apex Angels and Warriors; Islands of Brilliance-program for neurodivergent youth; Our Sisters House-temporary housing shelter; Tomahawk School District-summer school; Newborn Supply Closet-diapers and wipes; Hometown Christmas-additional decorations around the community; Tomahawk Food Pantry, Veterans' Honor Guard-cold weather uniforms; St Marys School-music equipment; Kinship-additional transportation services; Tomahawk Public Library-items and programing; Lincoln County Health Department-community baby shower; Music on the River-additional week of music; Tomahawk Historical Society; and WaWui-upgrades to bleachers.

Published on 01/26/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's hockey squad won their sixth straight game at SARA Park Saturday afternoon, defeating Baldwin-Woodville, 5-4. The Hatchets outshot the Hawks, 55-27 and allowed just one power play goal out of six penalties. Tomahawk scored the first goal of the day, when Landyn Seymour tipped in a shot from the point by Jake Albert and led 1-0 4:30 minutes into the game. Jett Reilly also assisted on the Seymour goal. Jonah Dickens scored his first goal of the game 00:44 seconds later and Tomahawk led 2-0. Reilly and Seymour assisted. Baldwin-Woodville scored 00:18 seconds later and Tomahawk led 2-1 with 11:31 left in the second. Jett Reilly scored 3:04 remaining in the first to give Tomahawk a 3-1 lead. Rex Reilly and Mason Jaecks assisted on the goal. Baldwin-Woodville closed out the first period scoring with 2:33 remaining and Tomahawk led 3-2. The Hatches outshot the Hawks 25-8 in the first period. Jonah Dickens scored his second goal of the game 5:00 minutes into the second period and Tomahawk led 4-2. The Hawks would respond, scoring 1:23 later and cut the Hatchet lead to 4-3. Dickens completed his hat trick with 1:54 left in the second period; Jett Reilly and Jake Albert assisted on the goal. Tomahawk led 5-3 after two. The Hawks would score the only goal of the third, with just 1:03 remaining. Tomahawk outshot Baldwin-Woodville 52-28 and Hudson Seymour gets the win with 24 saves. With his hat trick, Jonah Dickens is now tied for third all-time in career points scored in Wisconsin State Hockey History. The Hatchets improve their record to 16-3 on the season. Tomahawk will go for their third consecutive Great Northern Conference Title Tuesday against Mosinee. Alex Koch and Zach Garner will be in the broadcast booth with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show at 6:35 and Opening Faceoff at 7:00 from SARA Park in Tomahawk.

Published on 01/26/2026 under News Communities across the state of Wisconsin are working to more efficiently use salt during the winter months. This week is dedicated to that cause. It's Wisconsin Salt Awareness Week, which is a joint effort to reduce the amount of salt being used to remove ice from roadways. Partners include Wisconsin Saltwise; the Wisconsin DNR; the Wisconsin DoT; and county and municipal road departments. Among the reasons for the campaign, excess salt can wind up in our waterways or along the roadside causing environmental damage. It can also prematurely age roads and bridges causing billions of dollars in infrastructure damage, while also causing corrosion our vehicles. Shannon Haydin, DNR Storm Water Section Manager says, "Chlorides persist in the environment forever and cause significant impacts to fish, aquatic life and human health." Haydin noted that they have seen evidence of fresh water salinization, adding, "Now is the time to make a change and reduce salt use when we can." At a local level, street crews and highway departments look to follow smart salting practices for a number of reasons such as safety and cost. Efforts include equipment calibration, educating operators, and strategic application. For example, according to the DoT, the practice of pre-wetting salt keeps 30% more salt on the road where it is intended, while also helping it work more quickly. And if you notice a lack of salt trucks during extreme cold, that is because salt loses effectiveness as temperatures drop. While road crews carry a larger impact, residents can make a difference right at home, by using salt more effectively on driveways and sidewalks. We'll have more on winter salt throughout this week.

Published on 01/26/2026 under News Tourism entities in Vilas and Oneida County are teaming up to share a message of safe riding during the snowmobile season. The partners maintain a website, SnowmobileNorthwoods.com, which is a one-stop shop for snowmobile information in the region. Riders can access trail info, maps, club details, and up-to-date trail conditions. But they also have a page specifically dedicated to rules and safety. Collette Sorgel, Director of Vilas County Tourism & Publicity notes that each year there are unfortunate accidents that happen on the trails. She says, "SnowmobileNorthwoods.com is a great place for riders to brush up on the rules and riding etiquette so we can all make the Northwoods a safer place to ride." On the site, users will find Wisconsin snowmobiling laws and safety tips, a short video from the Vilas County Snowmobile Alliance, and the Ride Right snowmobiling safety pledge, which reminds riders of easy ways they can commit to protecting their safety and the safety of others on the trails. It also includes club trail reports, which are an important tool for riders. Jacqui Sharpe, Chair of the Oneida County Tourism Council. "Our hardworking club volunteers are dedicated to ensuring access to the latest trail conditions and closures so riders know what's safe and where to avoid, all in the name of sledder safety." In addition to the digital messing, the partners also have printed materials, safety checklists, reflective decals, and other swag available at participating Chambers and Visitors Bureaus.

Published on 01/26/2026 under News Investigators have concluded their investigation into a death in Price County in November, determining it to be accidental. Back on November 24, responders were called to a Park Falls home where 61 year old Vicki Hirtreiter was found dead outside of her home. Her body were partially burned. According to a news release from the Park Falls Police Department, investigators collected evidence, interviewed witnesses, and an autopsy. The investigation found Hirtreiter's cause of death to be severe burn injuries. Her death was determined to be accidental. No other information was provided. The Park Falls Police Department was assisted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Marathon County Medical Examiner's Office and the Wisconsin State Crime Lab.

Published on 01/26/2026 under Sports The Hatchet male wrestlers would finish second in the King of the North Invitational at Eau Claire North Saturday. Tomahawk was the top Wisconsin team in the invite. The Champion at the Invite was Plainview-Elgin-Millville out of Minnesota. At the invite, Hatchet 144-pound Senior Wrestler Wally Horabik would notch his 100th career win. That win came by fall over Eau Claire North's Brayden Zillmer. The lone Hatchet that won his weight class was Zander Zehner at 165 pounds. Zehner is now two wins away from 100 career victories. Tomahawk is back on the mats Tuesday for a quad at Laona-Wabeno. Matches begin at 5:00.

Published on 01/23/2026 under News When temperatures drop, people may seek ways to save a few degrees and a few dollars in their home. With our coldest stretch in a few years, Wisconsin Public Service put out a reminder on home heating safety and efficiency. The two main concerns of home heating, outside of a higher bill, are carbon monoxide and fire. WPS is reminding residents to ensure their carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in working order. Along those same lines, make sure your meters and vents are cleared. If you decide to warm up your car, make sure the garage door is open, or better yet pull it out into the driveway. A space heater may provide a little extra warmth for a specific room. Try to upgrade to newer models with safety features. WPS says that space heaters should always be plugged directly into the wall. Extension cords and power strips can overload which creates a fire risk. If you're looking to keep your home cozy, WPS also offered a few tips for home heating efficiency as well. Close off rooms that aren't in use. Sunshine and south facing windows are your friend. Open curtains and blinds during the day to provide some added warmth, while closing them at night will help retain heat and cut down on drafts. And if you have ceiling fans, make sure sure they're turning clockwise to push the warm air back down towards the floor. And for future cold, consider a check to seal gaps around windows and doors and keep your furnace regularly serviced. You can visit the WPS website for more tips as well as resources for customers on heating assistance.

Published on 01/23/2026 under News Earlier this week, we talked about the dangers of frostbite. The other major concern in extreme cold is hypothermia. We heard from Aspirus Emergency Physician, Dr. Amery Robinson about hypothermia. Robinson notes, "(Hypothermia) often happens when people aren't expecting it. Even if you know how to handle winter conditions, dangers can sneak up on you." And a victim doesn't need to spend significant time outdoors or a fall into an icy water to experience symptoms. In fact, Robinson said some of the most severe cases he's treated have happened indoors. He provided an example of a fall, leading to extended time with body contact with a cold floor in the basement or garage. That's why it's important to check-in on vulnerable populations, making sure there is a way to call for help in an emergency. As for what to look for, Robinson described early symptoms of hypothermia as the 'umbles.' This includes mumbling, stumbling, fumbling or bumbling. Early symptoms can be treated by providing warmth and even a sweet treat. Robinson explained body heat is generated through metabolism. Sugar and simple carbs are broken down quickly, so they can be especially useful in this case.

Published on 01/23/2026 under News If you spent time the last few days on social media, you may have seen viral posts about exploding trees in this extreme cold. The DNR has dispelled those posts, and explained what is really happening. Officials note the more appropriate headline would be 'cracking trees.' They explained, When it gets cold enough, the liquid sap inside trees can freeze and expand. This puts intense pressure on the inside of the tree which can lead to it physically cracking. It's this force that causes the popping or cracking noise that led to the exploding tree misnomer. As for what happens to the tree moving forward. While the DNR notes this will seldom kill the tree, it can be an entry point for insects, bacteria, and fungi that can negatively impact the tree. Property owners may want to monitor impacted trees in their yards and consult an arborist if concerned.

Published on 01/23/2026 under News Whether you're a snowbird heading south for a few months or planning a quick winter getaway, officials are reminding travelers to be aware of tollway scams. The Wisconsin Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection said they've recently seen an uptick in complaints about these scams. While Wisconsin doesn't have toll roads, many popular travel destinations and neighboring states do. The modern toll system allows motorists to pay online using your license plate for your contact information. Scammers have been posing as these services by sending unsolicited text or email messages claiming the recipient has an outstanding toll and a quickly approaching late fee. In addition to seeking payment, they may also provide a link where you'll be prompted to provide personal information. The DATCP says the first step to avoid these scams is awareness. If you are unsure if you received a possible toll, verify with the toll service's actual website. Don't utilize the links or contact information included in the suspicious message.

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