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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

Vintage Derby Returns to Eagle River for 25th Championship

Published on 01/09/2026 under News Over the next two weekends, Eagle River will once again be crowning some of the fastest snowmobiles in the world, both modern machines and vintage classics. While the big draw, the World Championship Derby starts next week, the upcoming weekend has been set aside for some souped up sleds of yesteryear. While originally part of the main Derby weekend, vintage sleds go their own dedicated race weekend in 2002, making this the milestone 25th edition. The popularity of the event has continued to grow. With winter recreation slowed due to mild conditions the last two years, it's also a welcome boost to the local hospitality businesses, drawing in racers, their teams, and racing fans. Track efforts at the Derby Complex are ongoing throughout the year, but those crews have been working overtime in recent days to get the frozen oval ready for racing. Registration and practice sessions got underway Thursday with racing through the weekend in various classes and divisions. The Vintage World Championship race is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Published on 01/09/2026 under News A local couple are doing their part to help with cancer research at the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, while tying in their love of classic cars. Last month, Dan and Linda Neve met with more than 100 researchers, physicians and scientists at Marshfield Clinic Research Institute to present a $175,750 check to fund cancer research. That's just the tip of the ice berg. Over the years, they've raised more around $1.5 million for cancer research. Their story actually started in 2010 when Linda was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Dan decided to use passion for cars to fight back, and he launched Cruise for a Cause. Traveling the country in his Mustang Shelby GT 500, they attend car shows, auto races and other events. Chief Research Officer Dr. Jennifer Meece says, "The fight against cancer is taking place in our backyard and Marshfield Clinic Research Institute is a key component." She added,"The latest treatment options for cancer, research studies and clinical trials are being worked on by our physicians and scientists in Marshfield, Weston, Minocqua, Eau Claire, and other communities." In addressing the staff before making this year's donation. Dan said, "It's all of the researchers and scientists who make me and everyone else believe and have hope. Keep doing what you do and one day we'll all be able to say, 'we won'."

Published on 01/09/2026 under News A unique ice skating trail in the Northwoods continues to receive accolades. Last year Boulder Junction introduced the Glide to their growing Winter Park. The approximately mile-long frozen trail weaves through the trees of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest providing ice skaters a scenic setting. This week, the skating ribbon was featured in Midwest Living's list of 22 Magical Places to Ice-Skate This Winter alongside popular locations in larger cities such as Millennium Park in Chicago. They highlight the scenery along the lighted path. It's one of two spots in Wisconsin, along with Tenney Park down in Madison. _____ Speaking of Winter Park, the Friends of Boulder Junction Parks are actually planning a winter festival Saturday known as Illuminations Night. This event is offering an evening of family-friendly winter recreation under the lights including the skating trail. They'll also be brushing off a previously trendy sport with some pick-up broomball games on the hockey rink. According to the announcement, Illuminations Night is designed to celebrate winter, community, and outdoor recreation in true Northwoods fashion. It is free, though donations will be gladly accepted to support ongoing park improvements and programming. It runs from 5pm to 7pm on Saturday. You can visit Boulder at Play on Facebook for more information.

Published on 01/09/2026 under News Earlier this week high school students from around the Northwoods flexed their financial know-how in a quiz bowl. Nicolet College hosted the 14th annual Northwoods Regional for the Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl. It's part of a statewide competition aimed at increasing and testing the financial literacy of high school students. Teams of four answer questions on topics like taxes, real estate, savings, and investment. The teams are typically coached by personal finance or economics teachers who help students study and prepare, either as part of classroom curriculum or an after-school club. Around two dozen teams competed. In the end, two GNC schools Rhinelander and Northland Pines reached the finals. The Hodags finished on top, though both teams qualified for the state competition down in Madison in May.

Published on 01/09/2026 under News The DNR is updating their Beaver Management Plan, and the public has an opportunity to provide feedback. The plan offers a guide to practices and priorities for management of the state's beaver population. The current plan was adopted in 2015, and is updated every 10 years. Among the goals was beaver populations, habitat management, damage mitigation, along with education and data collection. The Beaver Management Plan Committee, comprised of various stakeholders began meeting last year. This month they are accepting public feedback. An online public input form and supporting information are available on the DNR's Beaver Management Plan webpage for those interested in submitting comments. Later this month, the Committee will host two in-person public hearings, though neither is in our listening area. There is also a virtual hearing that will be held online on January 26. The deadline for comments is January 31.

Published on 01/09/2026 under News Lake Nokomis will be filled with hundreds of anglers for a fun-filled tournament this weekend. Coming up tomorrow AMVETS Post 724 and the NCO club will host it's annual Lake Nokomis Ice Fishing Tourney. Now in it's seventeenth year, the event has continued to grow and they have plenty of family activities in addition to the fishing, with door prizes, raffles, and food. All proceeds go to benefit Northwoods veterans organizations and programs, and they have been quite successful in that mission, typically exceeding $20,000 raised. With an event dedicated to Military members, the organizers continue to cater to veterans. As they traditionally do, they'll provided a heated ice shack, drilled holes and equipment for any participating purple heart recipient. They'll be set up at the Highway N boat landing with same-day registration starting at 6am with fishing from 8am to 2pm.

Published on 01/09/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Hockey squad came back to defeat Mosinee at the Indian Rec Center Thursday night, winning, 4-3. Mosinee scored the first goal of the game late in the first period on a power play. Tomahawk responded :37 seconds later when Landyn Seymour scored and the game would be tied 1-1 after the first. Both teams scored one goal in the second period, Tomahawk first off the stick of Jonah Dickens, assisted by Seymour and Tomahawk led 2-1. Mosinee would score with :54 second left in the second and the game would be tied. Mosinee took a 3-2 lead early in the third period, with Tomahawk responding 14:30 left in the game. Jonah Dickens scored a short handed goal to tied the game at three. Jett Reilly scored the game winner, again short handed with under 11:00 minutes to play. The Reilly goal was assisted by Dickens and Seymour. Tomahawk outshot Mosinee 39-19. The win puts Tomahawk at 9-2 on the season and 5-0 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets will head up to the Wisconsin-Minnesota border Saturday afternoon to take on Superior. Puck drop is at 2:00.

Published on 01/09/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's wrestling squad continued their dominant stretch during the season, defeating Rhinelander in a Great Northern Conference dual at the Jim Miazga Gymnasium, 61-12. The Hatchets got four pins and won 12 of the 14 weight classes in the match. The win puts Tomahawk at 6-1 on the season and 3-0 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action next Thursday for a home triangular with Crandon and Merrill. Tune in for the broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Prematch Show at 5:10 and opening events begin at 5:30.

Published on 01/08/2026 under News For the first time in a decade, Tomahawk will have a new mayor come spring. Tuesday was the deadline for candidates to submit their nomination papers to appear on the ballot for the upcoming elections. Current Tomahawk Mayor Steve Taskay is not seeking re-election after ten years in the office. Taskay was first elected in 2016, emerging from a four-candidate field. He would go on to win four additional elections, three times running unopposed. As for Taskay's successor, two political newcomers to city office will vie for mayor; Michael Habeck and Jeffery Koth both submitted paperwork to run. As for Tomahawk City Council, there are actually five seats up for election, but only three names will appear on the ballot. Starting with the on-cycle, three-year terms... in District 1, Pat Haskin will seek reelection and is running unopposed. In District 2, current alderman Dale Ernst filed non-candidacy papers. Former Councilor Don Nelson submitted paperwork to get back on and will run unopposed. In District 3, Steve Bartz did not submit papers, but may still run as a write-in. There are also two partial terms following a pair of mid-term resignations. In District 1, Bob Soward was appointed this past year, but did not file paperwork. Clerk Amanda Bartz said Soward indicated he would register as a write-in candidate. The other partial-term is an unfilled seat in District 3 following Tadd Wegener's resignation. In a twist, Wegener filed paperwork to run for his old seat and will run unopposed. These races will appear on the April ballot.

Published on 01/08/2026 under News School referendums have become a common occurrence, but the mechanism can also be used by municipalities. Another Northwoods community is exploring the idea. At a special meeting Wednesday, the City of Tomahawk Finance Committee discussed asking voters for a levy increase. The idea has been brought up briefly at past meetings, and comes after several consecutive years of difficult budget decisions. The state restricts the ability of municipalities to increase their tax levy without voter approval. The levy allowance is calculated by a formula largely given by net new construction. Repeatedly brought up during last night's discussion was that costs have outpaced the levy on everything from health insurance to road salt. (Clerk Amanda Bartz noted over the past decade, the allowable increase in levy was 12% while inflation was 35%.) The referendum, if approved by voters, would increase the base-level of the levy moving forward. The Committee discussed five different amounts ranging from 5% to 25%. After discussion, they focused on 20%. That equates to a $276,000. It would result in an increase of $75 for a $100,000 property. Over the past decade, the city has pursued numerous mechanisms to increase the levy. Voters approved a Premier Resort Area Tax or PRAT, however it was never implemented, as it requires approval from the Wisconsin state legislature. They also explored, but never went forward with a transportation utility fee. And over the past year, the Finance Committee has been reviewing and selling property to raise funds. Finance Chair Mickey Loka noted the referendum was always going to be their last option. The City can look north to Minocqua where voters approved a levy referendum in 2024 for $750,000. As they brainstormed, the committee highlighted the importance of communication. If the referendum is officially placed on the ballot, they plan to schedule public informational meetings and other outreach. The meeting packet included an example of a handout that could be distributed to the public outlining the reasons for the request. The Council will take up the resolution at a meeting next week.

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