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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

Hatchet Hockey Team Wins - Dickens Sets State Goal Scoring Record

Published on 02/11/2026 under Sports The Hatchet hockey squad capped off Senior Night and their home portion of the 2025-26 season with their sixth shutout victory of the year, routing East-Merrill United, 9-0. Tomahawk got goals from five different players and scored four goals in each of the first two periods. Jonah Dickens finished with four total points, including a hat trick. The three goals by Dickens make him the all-time leading goal scorer across regular and postseason in Wisconsin State Hockey history, surpassing Oregon alumnus and current Iowa State defenseman Andrew Jicha. Dickens' assist also put him into a tie with former Antigo forward Eli Kassler for second-place all-time with most career regular and postseason points in Wisconsin State Hockey History. The Hatchets also got two goals from Jett Reilly and a goal and two assists from Mason Jaecks. Tomahawk's record now stands at 20-3 on the season, their second consecutive 20-win season. The Hatchets wrap up the regular season Thursday night in Waunakee. Puck drop is at 7:15.

Published on 02/11/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's basketball squads were swept in their doubleheader Tuesday night at the Hatchet House against Great Northern Conference foe Rhinelander. The Hatchet boys started off the night with a 74-35 defeat to the Hodags, their 12th consecutive defeat. Tomahawk's girls were unable to avoid early foul trouble in the first half, losing to Rhinelander, 81-45. Freya Alberg led the way for the Hatchets with 27 points. The boys now stand at 2-18 on the season and 0-11 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk's girls fall to 12-10 on the season and 6-6 in Great Northern Conference play. Both teams will be back in action Friday night for another Great Northern Conference battle with Lakeland. The girls will be on the road and the boys are at home. Tip off is at 7:15 for both games.

Published on 02/10/2026 under News The Wisconsin Historical Society is visiting the Northwoods in the coming months as part of its History Makers Tour. The initiative launched in 2023, aiming to connect people of all ages with compelling stories, people and places that have shaped Wisconsin's past through a lineup of engaging events, exhibits, pop-up displays and community programs. Sara Batkie, Statewide Engagement Coordinator for the Wisconsin Historical Society, explained, "The History Makers Tour gives communities across Wisconsin unique opportunities to explore and celebrate the diverse histories that make our state special." The Northwoods leg of the Tour includes Antigo, Eagle River, Merrill, Park Falls, Rhinelander and Wausau where they partner with local parks, libraries and community spaces. Batkie says, "We are excited to bring a slate of special events and experiences to the north central region this year and look forward to engaging residents and visitors alike in discovering more about the people and stories that helped shape Wisconsin history." Some exhibits are long-term, others are signature, one-time events. For example, in May, during Rhinelander's Hodag Heritage Days, they'll feature a program called, "Wisconsin Whoppers: Sensationalistic Storytelling, Tall Tale Tourism, and Cryptid Currency in the Badger State." Other topics of exhibits during the tour include winter sports, vintage gas stations, the Tommy Bartlett water ski show, and single room school houses. You can visit the Wisconsin Historical Society website for a full schedule.

Published on 02/10/2026 under News An elementary school in Rhinelander was temporarily placed on lockdown Monday. According to a news release from the district, during recess, school staff at Crescent School reported hearing what they believed to be a gunshot to the north of the school. Out of an abundance of caution, law enforcement was immediately notified, and the school was placed into lockdown to ensure the safety of all students and staff. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area including the use of a thermal imaging drone and discussions with nearby residents. They did not identify any evidence of suspicious individuals or activity. After confirming there was no apparent threat, law enforcement cleared the scene, and the school safely returned to normal activities approximately 45 minutes later. The district says, at no time was there evidence indicating a risk to the safety of students or staff. The school appreciates the swift response of law enforcement and the cooperation of students, staff, and families during this precautionary measure.

Published on 02/10/2026 under News The Aspirus Scholars Program is a collaboration aimed at addressing the national physician shortage, particularly rural areas like north central Wisconsin and Michigan's UP. At a special signing ceremony this past week, the Aspirus Health Foundation welcomed five new medical students to the program, committing $875,000 to students attending the Medical College of Wisconsin-Central Wisconsin Campus. As part of the arrangement, the students commit to employment at Aspirus upon graduation. Lanna Scannell, Aspirus Vice President, System Philanthropy says, "The Aspirus Scholars Program is about investing early in individuals who are committed to serving our region and strengthening access to care for the long term. Scannell added, "These scholars bring a strong sense of purpose and connection to our communities, and we are proud to support them as they prepare for careers that will make a lasting impact on patients and families across the region." This is the tenth class of the program, which now features 36 Aspirus Scholars.

Published on 02/10/2026 under News A teen driver was arrested after fleeing the scene of a crash in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, dispatch received a call of a hit and run crash on Highway 51 in the Town of Scott Thursday. The caller reported a northbound vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and struck another vehicle from behind, and failed to stop. A short time later, a deputy located the suspected vehicle and made contact with the driver, a 19 year old Birnamwood man. The driver told the deputy he left the scene because he got scared. The deputies observed signs of impairment and requested field sobriety tests, which they said the driver refused. He was taken into custody for first offense OWI and two counts of bail jumping. His name was not included in the report._____ One other quick note from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report...the number of vehicle versus deer collisions dropped with just three being reported this past week on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 02/10/2026 under News While the Christmas decorations have been put away for the year, the season of giving continues up in Minocqua. The Lakeland Pantry recently received a $2,700 donation thanks to the 2nd annual Festival of Trees. The 2025 Festival of Trees featured a dazzling display of 56 trees hosted at the Bottled Bean, each uniquely decorated by Northwoods businesses and organizations throughout the month of December. Community members played an active role in the event by purchasing tickets and casting votes for their favorite decorated tree with proceeds going towards the Pantry. Director Lorna Springate said in the announcement, "We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from the Festival of Trees and the entire Northwoods community. This generous donation will help us continue to serve families in need and demonstrates the remarkable spirit of giving that defines our area." The organization offered a heartfelt thanks to everyone involved and look forward to next year's event.

Published on 02/10/2026 under News A city of Tomahawk committee continues to discuss the regulation of boats that produce enhanced wakes. These preliminary conversations are under the purview of the Tomahawk Park and Rec Committee. The topic is back on the agenda for their Tuesday meeting, with a proposed ordinance included in the meeting packet that would impact wakeboats on Lake Mohawksin. Wakeboats typically utilize a ballast system that creates a larger wake for the purpose of surfing behind. Those seeking regulations cite the environmental impacts these boats cause to the lake bed and shoreline, the potential introduction of invasive species in the ballast water, and safety concerns for others on the lake. The ordinance included for discussion tonight would prohibit the use of ballast tanks, ballast bags, or fins to cause a boat to operate in a bow-high manner. First time violators would be subject to a $500 fine. Any ordinance would need approval by the Tomahawk City Council. The Council has yet to discuss the topic. Because Lake Mohawksin includes multiple jurisdictions, an identical ordinance would need approval by the Town of Bradley. Legislation regarding wakeboat regulation is also being discussed at the state level.

Published on 02/09/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's girls' basketball squad notched their second straight win in as many days Friday night at the Hatchet House, completing the sweep of the Merrill Blue Jays, 44-32. The Hatchets rode the back of Senior Center Freya Alberg to get their 12th win of the season. Alberg led all scorers with a season-high 25 points. The win moves Tomahawk to 12-9 on the season and 6-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action Tuesday for the second half of a girls-boys doubleheader against Rhinelander.

Published on 02/09/2026 under Sports The Hatchet female wrestlers would place third at the first-ever Great Northern Conference Girls Wrestling Meet in Medford Friday night. Tomahawk would have three first-place finishers in the invite. Tomahawk's first-place finishers would come from Kylie Peissig at 144 pounds, Kami Gabrich at 185 pounds, and Abby Doleshal at heavyweight. The Hatchets also had four more wrestlers place in the top three and earn All-Conference honors. The only two teams that placed ahead of Tomahawk were Merrill and Wausau West. The WIAA Girls Regional Meet is Friday from Merrill High School. The opening round will begin at 4:00 pm. Join Alex and Tony for coverage with the Fehrman Orthodontics Pre-meet show at 3:40 pm on Northwoods 92-5, WJJQ.

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