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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

Packer Foundation Awards Grants to Local Non-Profits

Published on 12/19/2025 under News The Packers play the Bears this weekend, but earlier this week they played the role of Santa, providing non-profits around the state with an early Christmas gift. Each year, the Green Bay Packer Foundation provides grants to hundreds of non-profits around the state. This year their board selected nearly 400 organizations who will share in 1.5 million dollars. Each cycle, the Foundation focuses on specific themes. This year it was animal welfare, health and wellness, civic and community initiatives, and environmental causes. Recipients represent 63 of the state's 72 counties including a few in the Northwoods. There was just one Lincoln County recipient, WaWui in Tomahawk, which is the organization that operates SARA Park. Up in Oneida County, Northwoods Wildlife Center, Oneida County Humane Society, and Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault. Further north in Vilas County-the Conover Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Northwoods Children's Museum, and St. Germain Silent Trails. In the coming days, we'll take a look at how some of these organizations plan to use their funds to invest in the community. Packers President/CEO Ed Policy says, "It is truly an honor for the Packers to be in a position to support the crucial work these recipient organizations do in our communities. We are proud to support their causes and shine a light on them." Representatives from each organization were invited to a presentation ceremony at Lambeau this past week. Since the Foundation was established in 1986, they've distributed nearly $30 million. Next year's cycle will focus on groups addressing arts and culture, the environment, and food insecurity.

Published on 12/19/2025 under News Northwoods snowmobilers are getting an early Christmas present with some trail openings in Vilas and Oneida Counties on Friday. Officials are reminding riders to use a little extra caution and remember the rules to a safe season. Clubs anticipate trails will be in early-season riding conditions, and those warnings came before Thursday's warm and rainy day which could result in icy stretches and bare spots. While the trails on land will be opening, riders are encouraged to stay off of any trails that cross bodies of water until they have been inspected and marked by clubs. They're also reminding riders to stay on marked trails and obey all signs. During last year's abbreviated riding season, there were still 9 fatal snowmobile crashes around the state. Five were here in the Northwoods. Excessive speed, alcohol use and inexperience are frequently listed among the common causes of snowmobile crashes. We'll continue to provide trail updates throughout the riding season.

Published on 12/19/2025 under News An award winning winter attraction in the Northwoods is set to return this weekend. Boulder Junction's Winter Park is back, highlighted by the second season of The Glide, their popular, ice skating ribbon. The approximately mile-long frozen trail weaves through the trees for ice skaters for a scenic skating setting. Over the summer the project won a Wisconsin Governor's Outdoor Industry – First Ascent Award for Innovation. It was converted from an under-utilized. And they've been working on some improvements to not only the trail itself, but the amenities to improve the entire experience. Laura Bertch is Chair of the Boulder Junction Park Board said, "Winter Park has quickly become a signature destination for residents and visitors alike, and these upgrades will make the experience even more enjoyable for everyone." Beyond the Glide, Winter Park also features a community ice rink and a sledding hill. Even their new Tall Pines Disc Golf course is open. Typical hours for Winter Park are 10 am to 10 pm. You can follow BoulderatPlay on Facebook for updates, news, and special events.

Published on 12/19/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's boys' swim squad would finish the 2025 calendar year with a 115-43 loss to Rhinelander at the Hodag Pool Thursday evening. The Hatchets would come away with one first-place finish in the dual meet. Bruce Peetz would win the 500 yard freestyle with a time of 5:32.26. The loss drops Tomahawk's dual record to 1-6 on the season. The Hatchets will take a couple of weeks off before their next meet, a double dual in Medford with the host and Lakeland January 6th

Published on 12/19/2025 under News An annual holiday collection for the two Tomahawk area food pantries is in full swing. Each December, the Heritage Chevrolet 'Fill the Need' campaign ensures the Tomahawk and Nokomis Food Pantries are well stocked not only during the holidays, but throughout the year. 'Fill the Need' started in memory of a former Heritage employee who passed away shortly before the holidays in 1996. That makes this year number 28 for Fill the Need. The collection has changed over the years. It was initially known as Fill the Truck, Fill the Need. And they used to actually fill a full-sized Chevy Silverado pick-up truck with non perishable food items. In recent years, they transitioned to a fundraiser instead. Monetary donations better suit the current needs of the food pantries, allowing them to re-stock their shelves with items of greatest need throughout the year. As a special thank you to the donors, they've once again partnered with dozens of local businesses to collect thousands of dollars worth of prizes. Those drawings will take place next Monday, live on WJJQ. There's still time to get involved. For the easiest way to donate, you can visit the Heritage website and clicking on the Fill the Need banner. Or you can drop off a check in-person at Heritage.

Published on 12/19/2025 under News Marshfield Medical Center in Minocqua is hosting a special Christmas tree for those who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. And they're inviting the public to hang a special ornament in honor of a loss. Staff at the facility have decorated the tree with blue and pink lights. They said community members can help remember their little loved losses by visiting the tree and placing an ornament. It can be a family ornament, or they also have a selection that can be personalized.(Once they take down the tree, families can collect their ornament, or leaving them to be displayed again next year.) Jamie Howell, Nurse Manager at Marshfield Medical Center-Minocqua Birth Center says, "The loss of a little one is always difficult, and we hope this brings comfort and peace during the holiday season." The remembrance tree is in the medical offices lobby and will remain on display through Jan. 5.

Published on 12/19/2025 under News The Medford Police Department has introduced the community to their newest officer. His name is Boone and he's a K9 bloodhound. According to the announcement, Boone becomes the department's first K9. He partner and handler is Chief Chad Liske. They department says Boone is working on his training to become a tracking/trailing K9 to assist in the search for missing/lost persons. They added, "You may see Boone out in about in the community as he works on his socialization. Feel free to say hello and offer some friendly pets if you see him." Boone joined the department last month.

Published on 12/18/2025 under News Despite the mild temperatures outside, another snowmobile trail system is set to open ahead of the weekend. According to an update from Vilas County Forestry, Recreation and Land Department, the Vilas County trail system will open tomorrow morning at 8am. The decision comes after a meeting of the eleven clubs that make up the Vilas County Snowmobile Alliance. They noted in the announcement that this year's opening was set back by damage caused by the winter storms in late November. Trails are expected to be in early season riding conditions. In the announcement, they also urged riders to use caution and stay off lakes until they've been marked. As we announced yesterday, trails in Oneida County are also slated to open on Friday at noon.

Published on 12/18/2025 under News Experts are predicting record travel numbers in Wisconsin over the upcoming winter holidays. According to Triple A, nearly 2.4 million Wisconsinites will travel at least 50 miles over the next two weeks. The projection would break the previous high, set last year, and comes on the heels of a record-setting Thanksgiving holiday. This year, that travel window is defined as the thirteen-day period from Saturday, December 20 to Thursday, January 1. Nearly 90% of those travelers will do so by vehicle. With Christmas falling midweek once again, travel will likely be spread out in the days leading up to Christmas. And as often the case, traveling on the holiday itself might be the least crowded. Traffic will pick back up again on the Saturday and Sunday following Christmas. They don't anticipate major impacts on New Year's eve/day. Traffic typically increases in the afternoons and evenings, so those looking to avoid busy roadways should plan to leave earlier in the day. As for gas prices, drivers will be saving about a quarter per gallon compared to last year. The statewide average at around $2.50.

Published on 12/18/2025 under News Data shows an uptick in respiratory illness in the area, and local officials are encouraging people take simple steps to stay healthier over the holidays. According to the Oneida County Health Department, respiratory illness activity is listed as moderate across Wisconsin's Northern Region based on emergency department visits. They said, data show increasing activity of influenza, Covid-19, and RSV, with influenza rising more quickly than other respiratory illnesses. With holiday gatherings upon us, they offered a few reminders of common ways to reduce the risk. First and foremost they recommend getting a flu shot and Covid booster, especially for those 65 and older or those with chronic conditions.Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and utilize hand sanitizer when that's not possible.Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.Stay home when sick to avoid spreading illness.And when the temps allow, try and open a window to get some improved airflow indoors.The Department says, "Taking simple steps now helps keep you, your loved ones, and our community healthier this season."

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