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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

Merrill Area 4-H Wins Cedar Crest Ice Cream Flavor Contest with Espresso-Themed Submission

Published on 01/20/2026 under News A local 4-H club knows a thing or two about ice cream, once again winning a contest that will see their flavor being produced and sold this summer. While it isn't necessarily ice cream weather outside, Cedar Crest Ice Cream announced the finalists for their annual 4-H flavor creation contest. And for the second time in three years, the winning flavor was submitted by the Pesobic Pathfinders 4-H down in Merrill. For years, Cedarberg-based Cedar Crest has partnered with the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation for this contest. They challenge the youth to come up with a name, theme, and even flavors and add-ins for a new ice cream. This year's winning flavor is called Hold Your Horses. It is inspired by starting each day with a fresh cup of coffee, featuring an espresso flavored ice cream with chocolate covered toffee pieces & caramel ribbon. If that sounds enticing, the winning flavor will be available at ice cream shops around the state this summer, including the Windmill up in Nokomis. You'll have to wait a few month to sample Hold Your Horses, the winning flavor typically arrives in July. Two years ago, the Pathfinders also won the contest with their Paul Bunyan flavor, which has also become a regular flavor in the Cedar Crest line.

Published on 01/20/2026 under News It's awards season, and the Lincoln County Sheirff's Office recently recognized four staff members for their actions or their ongoing efforts and service. Lt. Tom Tollefson was presented with the 'Life Saving Award' thanks to his efforts in December. While responding to a welfare check, they said Tollefson found an individual not breathing and with no pulse. He began CPR, and those actions contributed to saving the patient. This isn't the first life-saving award Tollefson has won during his law enforcement career. Ten years ago, while a member of the Tomahawk Police Department, he was presented with a Life Saving Medal for a water rescue. Back to the Lincoln County Awards, Jail Administrator Nicholas Hoeft was presented with the Sheriff's Recognition Award for what was described as selflessness and dedication during a critical incident involving the Dive Team in July 2025. Two others were recognized for ongoing work. Corrections Officer Julie Remington was presented with the Distinguished Service Award while working diligently in the implementation and refinement of the Lincoln County Jail's Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Program. Deputy Mariah Wegmueller was recognized as Deputy Of The Year for her exceptional service and consistently demonstrating the agency's core values (service to the community, integrity, and professionalism). The Sheriff's Office said of the recipients, "Your actions and dedication reflect great credit upon yourselves, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, and the law enforcement community."

Published on 01/20/2026 under News With this frigid forecast, officials are reminding pet owners to make sure four-legged friends are staying warm. Despite their fur, dogs and cats can get frost bite just like humans. They are especially susceptible on exposed areas such as their ears, nose, and paws. While officials say the easiest solution is to keep your pet indoors when temperatures drop, the Lincoln County Humane Society shared some other cold weather tips to keep pets safe. Try to provide a high quality diet which can help maintain a healthy coat and weight. Outdoor water dishes should be heated, and avoid metal bowls during winter months. For animals spending time outdoors, even for a short time, make sure they have an area to avoid the wind. It's best to have an insulated shelter with a door covering and a bedding area is better when elevated. One final caution goes towards chemicals used to melt snow and ice. Anti-freeze and road salts can irritate pet paws. Those items should also be stored out of reach, the compounds can be poisonous if ingested by a curious pet.

Published on 01/20/2026 under News One year after reaching a partnership between Marshfield Clinic and Sanford Health, the combined health system has unveiled a new look and branding. Marshfield Clinic joined Sanford Health in January 2025 in a new partnership bringing together nearly 55,000 employees and 58 medical centers. To support the new brand, the Marshfield Clinic region of Sanford Health has launched a campaign entitled "Here for All. Here for Good," which they said celebrates a commitment to employees, communities, patients, and members. Brian Hoerneman, M.D., president and CEO of the Marshfield Clinic region of Sanford Health says, "The Marshfield Clinic legacy that patients know and trust remains strong, and we're building on it." He added, "The new brand campaign allows us to reintroduce ourselves to our patients and communities, sharing the progress we've made and amplifying the great care that happens in our region every day." The campaign is expected to feature a combination of digital and traditional media.

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Published on 01/20/2026 under News A Gleason man was injured following a snowmobile crash in Lincoln County over the weekend. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, deputies were sent to a report of a snowmobile crash in the Town of Harrison. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the operator, a 61 year old Gleason man, who stated he didn't remember what happened. Other riders in his group didn't witness the crash. Reviewing the scene, deputies believed the rider was traveling south and failed to negotiate a curve. The man sought medical treatment on his own. A few other quick notes from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report… A 31 year old Wausau man was arrested for second offense OWI following a single vehicle roll-over.Deputies were kept busy with a number of vehicle slide-offs and accidents, including several that led to injury.The number of vehicle and deer collisions remains steady with another 6 reported this past week.

Published on 01/20/2026 under Sports The Hatchet basketball squads came away with a split in their doubleheader at Prentice Monday night. Tomahawk's girls got back in the win column by overcoming another slow start to notch a 51-42 victory. Lizzy Long returned to the lineup and came off the bench for the Hatchets. Long provided a spark on both sides of the ball, leading Tomahawk in scoring with 14 points. The Hatchets also got 13 from Freya Alberg and 12 from Autumn Merrigan. As for the Hatchet Boys, they would suffer their fifth straight defeat, losing to Prentice, 92-38. Logan Norman finished with a game-high 19 points and was the only Hatchet to hit double-figures. Tomahawk's girls now sit at 9-5 on the season and hit the road again Tuesday to head to Suring. Tip is at 6:00. The Hatchet boys fall to 2-11 on the season. Tomahawk is back in action also Tuesday in Crandon. Tip is at 7:15.

Published on 01/19/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's wrestling squads finished at the top of the Nekoosa Papermaker Punisher Invite Saturday. The Hatchet boys placed 46.5 points ahead of second-place Princeton/Green Lake. Tomahawk had five first place finishes in the invite, all coming from 144-190 pounds. They included Wally Horabik, Fletcher Baumann, Zander Zehner, Hudson Evans, and Nathan Norman. The Hatchet girls placed seven points ahead of second-place Shiocton. Tomahawk's girls' top finishers were Aubrey Tollefson and Kaylee Roberts. The Hatchet girls are back in action with their home invite Tuesday. The invite will be broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Pre-Invite Show at 5:10 and opening events beginning at 5:30. Tomahawk's boys will have another Great Northern Conference dual with Antigo coming up Thursday. The dual will be broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Prematch Show at 6:10 and opening events beginning at 6:30.

Published on 01/19/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's hockey team's winning streak continued Friday night as they completed a 4-0 record this week with a 5-3 victory at Altoona against RAM. Tomahawk scored the first goal of the night, Beau Stromberg lit the lamp on an assist from Cole Peterson. RAM would tie the game 00:15 later and would add a second first period goal with 4:01 remaining and led 2-1 after the first. The Hatchets would tie the game at 2-2, when Jake Albert scored a power play goal on assists from Jett Reilly and Brayden Lamer. Lamer would give Tomahawk a 3-2 lead with two minutes remaining in the second. The Lamer goal was assisted by Jett Reilly and Jake Albert. RAM would score with under a minute to go in the second, and the game was tied 3-3. The game remained tied at 3-3 until Jake Albert scored a power play goal with 3:37 remaining in the game. The Albert goal was assisted by Jonah Dickens. Jett Reilly added an empty netter, assisted by Jonah Dickens and Tomahawk skates to the 5-3 win. The win puts Tomahawk at 14-3 on the season. Tomahawk outshot RAM 44-17 and Hudson Seymour gets the win in the net for the Hatchets. The Hatchets return home for a Great Northern Conference showdown with Waupaca Tuesday night. The opening faceoff at SARA Park Arena is at 7:00 pm.

Published on 01/19/2026 under Sports The Hatchet basketball squads would lose to Medford Friday night. The Hatchet boys would lose to the Raiders at home, 86-25. Tomahawk's loss drops them to 2-10 on the season and 0-6 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchet girls lost on the road to Medford, 73-30. Anita Ziert led the way with 11 points. Tomahawk's girls now stand at 8-5 on the season and 3-3 in Great Northern Conference play. Both teams will be back in action Monday night for a doubleheader at Prentice. Alex Koch and Aaron Nieman will have the broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show begins at 5:05 and tip off is at 5:30.

Published on 01/19/2026 under News It's been six months since Tomahawk Kinship moved into their new location, and they're inviting the community to check out the new space.The local mentorship program will be hosting an open house this evening, fitting since January is National Mentorship Month. We recently spoke with Kinship Director Patti Hilgendorf and Board President Cheryl Brickner. The youth mentorship program had quietly been on the hunt for a larger space to accommodate their growing needs. In April, Hilgendorf approached the board about exploring the former Bradley Bank on Main Street. Brickner noted there was a little bit of skepticism initially, but they soon hit the ground running. They kicked off a three month fundraising blitz. Hilgendorf recalled, "It's amazing to think we received more than $400,000 in less than 90 days." And while they received a number of large donations and grants, Hilgendorf was impressed by the number of smaller donations and support. Fundraising was just the tip of the iceberg...by July the Kinship board signed purchase papers and they began phase 2, retrofitting the former bank into a kid-friendly space. Hilgendorf says they are about 90% done with the initial interior work. This spring they'll begin work on the back lot include a new green space. As for how the move has been, Hilgendorf said, "It's crazy, it's busy, it's fun. We picked right up where we left off." She says they've been growing by leaps and bounds. Now that they've settled into the new space, they're opening up their doors for an open house this evening from 5pm to 8pm. They'll be offering tours of the building as well as an opportunity to learn more about Tomahawk Kinship and even the different ways people can get involved.

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