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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

Silent Sports Offer Calming Fall Color Experience in the Northwoods

Published on 10/05/2026 under News Fall colors are on full display in the Northwoods, and there is no shortage of viewing opportunities especially if you're into silent sports. While an afternoon drive may be the simplest way to check out the fall leaves; local chambers, tourism organizations, and silent sports clubs are encouraging people to park the car and consider exploring by foot, bike, or boat. They offered a few ideas… A hike through a county forest or state park is a simple and affordable way to get an up-close view while also getting some fresh air and exercise. To cover a bit more ground, hop onto a local bike trail. Highlighted routes include the Hiawatha and Bearskin near Tomahawk and the growing network of trails in Oneida and Vilas Counties. If you'd rather paddle than pedal, a kayak or canoe excursion is another opportunity for picturesque viewing. As a bonus, the reflections of the leaves on calm waters can double the viewing experience. Local organizations have been enhancing kayak and canoe launches and designating water trails in the area. And if you'd like to check out the fall colors from a different perspective, there are some unique aerial opportunities, as well. Timm's Hill, the highest point in the state, is right in our back yard and frequently cited as one of the best viewing spots in the state. And down in the Wausau area, Granite Peak offers rides to the top of Rib Mountain via their ski lifts.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News Firefighters across Lincoln County will be better protected during emergency calls thanks to a major local grant. The county's five fire departments teamed up to apply for funding from the Bierman Foundation to upgrade critical safety gear, including new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units. At a recent Tomahawk Health and Safety meeting, Tomahawk Fire Chief Paul Winter announced that their joint application was selected for funding. Chief Winter shared that Tomahawk's portion of the grant totals approximately $550,000. The funds will cover 24 new SCBA units with face masks, 48 air cylinders, three Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) packs, and a gear extractor. Winter described it as a specialized heavy-duty washing machine built to decontaminate firefighter's personal protective gear including items that can't be cleaned in a traditional unit. Winter called the grant "a really big deal for us," noting that the funds are expected to arrive in January. It caps off an exciting stretch for the Tomahawk Fire Department, which also took delivery of a brand-new fire truck recently, just in time as the department observes National Fire Prevention Week.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News Students in Rhinelander are experiencing an immersive Mexican art opportunity with some special guest instructors. The School District of Rhinelander Community Education Program, ArtStart and the Mexican Folk Art Collective are hosting a group Mexican folk artists as part of the Culture Tap artist residency program, now in its fifth year. Over the next two school days, these guests will be working with the district's elementary students. They'll take part in activities such as making alebrijes, which are brightly decorated clay statues, traditional Mexican dancing, and other games and lessons while sharing culture, language and vocabulary. These activities tie in with a book the students are reading titled Esperanza Rising. In addition to the daytime programs for students at the schools, they'll also host a community fiesta this evening at 6pm at Nacho's Mexican Grill in Rhinelander, where the artists will present traditional folk dancing as well as games and other activities.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News A quick heads-up for Tomahawk residents for some road construction planned this week that may cause some brief travel disruptions, or residents that may need to make temporary arrangements. First up is a weeklong project on East Lincoln Avenue. From today through Thursday, East Lincoln between 4th and 6th Streets will be closed to through traffic. Final paving is scheduled for Thursday, which may temporarily limit driveway access for property owners along that stretch. The city notes that Washington Square Park will be accessible via the alley. Crews also have two single-day projects planned for Wednesday:• Leather Avenue / County Highway CC: Paving between Collins Street and the recreational trail will reduce traffic to a single lane. • Henry Street: The road will be closed for a pavement overlay. Residents who need to use their vehicles on Wednesday are asked to park on an alternate street by 7:00 AM.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News The Merrill Fire Department called in some mutual aid Friday; not for an emergency, but to settle a friendly wager on a local high school football game. The Merrill Blue Jays and the Antigo Red Robins renewed their Great Northern Conference rivalry this past week. For each of the past four years, Merrill Fire Chief Josh Klug and Antigo Fire Chief Corey Smith have placed a friendly bet on the outcome of the game, dubbed the "War on 64" in reference to the highway connecting the two communities. The annual wager supports their respective hometown teams while raising community awareness for both fire departments. After Antigo won the inaugural bet in 2023, Merrill responded with three straight victories, including last week's matchup. As a result, Chief Smith made the drive over to Merrill Friday morning to serve lunch and wash a Merrill ambulance.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News E-bikes are exploding in popularity, and local law enforcement continue to deal with unsafe operation, including the use of electric motorcycles. According to the Wausau Police Department, there is a difference between the two-wheel offerings. Standard e-bikes have pedals and low top speeds, making them legal for neighborhood rides. High-powered e-motos function as lightweight motorcycles, hitting high speeds without pedals or basic safety gear like turn signals and side mirrors. Police say unlicensed minors are taking these unregistered vehicles onto public roads, riding through stop signs, speeding, and operating into oncoming traffic. Officers apprehended one repeat offender this past week and impound his e-moto. The Department said they had received multiple complaints about the juvenile's driving behavior. He had also fled from police several times including earlier that same day. With crashes involving teens on e-motos rising statewide, police are urging parents to step in and keep non-street-legal rides off public roads.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News A woman facing child neglect charges in Lincoln County has taken a plea deal. According to court records, at a hearing Thursday, 33-year-old Megan Cis pleaded guilty to amended misdemeanor charges of victim intimidation, battery, and drug possession. Nine additional counts were dismissed. The charges stem from a December welfare check at a property in Bradley, north of Tomahawk, where Cis, her partner Wilber Copeland III, and eight children were living in an RV. The Sheriff's Office began their investigation after one of the children was left alone and sought food from a neighbor. During their investigation, deputies discovered inadequate heat during freezing temperatures, a lack of food, and physical abuse. They also located drugs in the home, potentially accessible to the children. The sentencing hearing followed immediately. Cis will avoid additional jail time by completing two years of probation. Copeland is also facing charges. He is scheduled in court Monday.

Published on 10/02/2026 under News A woman listed as missing and endangered in Langlade County was located. On Friday morning, the Langlade County Sheriff's Office issued a media release in their effort to locate 36 year old Brittany Marvin, who was last seen walking away from a family residence in Elcho on September 26. While at the residence for less than an hour, the family reported she was not acting normally. It was unclear how she arrived or left the residence. Fortunately, several hours after the initial announcement, the Langlade County Sheriff's Office cancelled the search, announcing that Marvin had been located safe. No other information was provided.

Published on 10/02/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's Football squad fought valiantly but came up short on Homecoming night at Hatchet Field, losing to the Medford Raiders, 20-0. The Hatchets held Medford to seven points in the first half, including stopping them on fourth down as time expired in the second quarter. However, the Raiders used their strong running attack of Carson Ingersoll. The Hatchets were held to just 40 rushing yards on 30 carries. Henry Nieman notched his fourth interception of the season in the last five games midway through the first quarter. The loss drops Tomahawk to 3-4 on the season and 3-2 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the field for Senior Night next week against Merrill. Jon Long and Alex Koch will be in the booth next Friday with the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:15 and kickoff at 7:00 on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. 11-Player Football: Wausau East 32, Antigo 22 Lakeland 14, Mosinee 0 Northland Pines 45, Clintonville 6 Crivitz 36, Crandon 0 Merrill 37, Rhinelander 0 8-Player Football: #10 8P Laona-Wabeno 58, Chequamegon 8 Hurley 56, Rib Lake 22 Athens 60, Newman Catholic 20

Published on 10/02/2026 under Sports Hatchet Cross Country Places in Top Eight at Athens Tomahawk' Cross Country squads finished in the top eight in the Athens Blue Jay Invitational Thursday night. The Hatchet Girls would place sixth in the invite, placing ahead of Chequamegon, Antigo, and Cadott. The top finisher for the Hatchet ladies was Elise Gibeault, who placed eighth with a time of 21:05. Second on the team and 22nd overall was Ellie Micke, clocking in at 22:40. As for the Hatchet Boys, they would place eighth in the invite, ahead of Antigo and Abbotsford. Connor Zorn placed 26th overall at 18:16. Dawson Jones finished 32nd at 18:30. Tomahawk's next invite is Tuesday when they head to Northland Pines. Events begin at 4:00. Team Results: Boys: Prentice/Rib Lake - 2nd Rhinelander - 6th Chequamegon - 7th Tomahawk - 8th Antigo 9th Girls: Prentice/Rib Lake - 1st Rhinelander 3rd Athens - 4th Tomahawk - 6th Chequamegon - 7th Antigo - 8th Tomahawk Swimmers Drops Final Home Dual to Medford The Hatchet Female Swimmers would fall in their final home GNC dual of the season to the Medford Raiders at the Hatchet Pool, 120-32. Despite the loss, Tomahawk would have three second-place finishes in the dual meet. Kami Gabrich placed second in the 200 freestyle with a time of 2:33.44. Gabrich would then join Kourtney Busterud, Aubrey Tollefson, and Kaylee Roberts in a second-place finish in the 400 yard freestyle relay with a time of 4:39.51. Busterud, Tollefson, Roberts, and Sloane Eisenmann would then finish second in the 200 Medley relay. The Final GNC Meet of the season takes place down in Merrill next Thursday. Events will begin at 5:30. Hatchet Volleyball Swept by #1 in Division 2 Mosinee Against #1 in Division 2 Mosinee, the Hatchet Volleyball squad would suffer yet another Great Northern Conference Sweep, losing, 25-7, 25-17, 25-22. The loss drops Tomahawk to 5-24 on the season and 0-6 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back at home for the GNC Finale Tuesday night against Northland Pines. Tune in for the broadcast on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Prematch Show will begin at 6:35 and first serve is at 7:00. Matt Theiler and Alex Koch will have the broadcast from the Hatchet House Tuesday night.

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