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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

Tomahawk Girls Swimmers Place 13th in Merrill to Begin 2026

Published on 08/20/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's girls swimmers opened up their season with a 13th-place finish at the Fun In the Sun Outdoor Relays in Merrill Thursday evening. The Hatchets competed in five different relays in the event. Tomahawk placed ninth in the 500 freestyle relay, swam by Aubrey Tollefson, Sloane Eisenman, Kaylee Roberts, and Kami Gabrich. The Hatchets placed 12th in the 200 Butterfly Relay, swam by Tollefson, Gabrich, Roberts, and Kortney Busterud. Tomahawk's highest finish in the meet was eighth in the 200 Backstroke Relay. The Hatchets then capped off the night with a tenth-place finish in the 200 breaststroke. Tomahawk will have a couple of weeks off before their next meet, which will be a home double dual with Great Northern Conference foes Lakeland and Mosinee September 3rd.

Published on 08/20/2026 under News An annual campaign targeting impaired driving is underway in Wisconsin. Local law enforcement agencies are joining state partners for the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" initiative. The two-and-a-half-week campaign highlights drunk driving and drug-related impairment. According to Wisconsin Department of Transportation statistics, there were just over 7,000 alcohol- or drug-related crashes in the state last year, along with more than 20,000 OWI convictions. State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says "Strong partnerships are critical to prevent impaired driving crashes. This includes our law enforcement partners, but more importantly, it means working with motorists and communities to make sure impaired drivers never get behind the wheel." Officials emphasize that impaired driving threatens not only the person behind the wheel, but also their passengers and everyone else sharing the road. To combat the issue, the increased enforcement push is paired with a public education campaign across traditional media, social media, and even digital highway messaging signs. Drive Sober will continue through Labor Day weekend.

Published on 08/20/2026 under News The Lincoln County Board has fast-tracked repairs on the County Highway M bridge west of Merrill, bypassing the standard competitive bidding process in an effort to complete the project before winter. Following a brief presentation from Highway Commissioner Jason Lemmer, supervisors approved an emergency measure to address severe structural damage discovered during a July inspection. A 10-ton weight limit has since been posted, and officials warned that further deterioration could force a complete bridge closure if left unrepaired. The emergency status allows Lemmer to solicit direct bids from three contractors rather than running a lengthy public bidding process. This streamlined approach ensures the county can meet a strict Sept. 15 deadline for stream bed work in the Copper River. The $325,000 repair focuses on replacing the bridge's damaged steel piles. Funding includes $58,000 from the Highway Department for design costs, with the remaining $267,000 drawn from the county's general fund. Lemmer noted that the rest of the structure remains in good condition and estimated these repairs will last approximately 50 years. Further updates on traffic impacts will be provided as the official project timeline is finalized.

Published on 08/20/2026 under News As we enter the dog days of summer, we've been getting some reports of some area lakes showing signs of blue-green algae blooms. Health officials are reminding the public to avoid affected waters. Blue-green algae is naturally occurring in Wisconsin waterways. Problems may arise when the algae goes into bloom. Factors leading to a bloom include stagnant waters, fertilizer run-off, warm temperatures, and sunlight. Despite the name, blue-green algae can appear in a variety of colors including reds, browns and whites. Its appearance is often described as looking like pea soup or spilled paint on the water surface. There are a variety of symptoms from exposure or ingestion including skin irritation, nausea and illness. In addition to humans, pets can also be affected. The Health Department recommends showering or rinsing off if you have been in affected waters. And with fall fishing, avoid eating the catch if a bloom is present at your favorite fishing spot. While some popular swimming areas like beaches may be monitored, it is typically up to swimmers to be on the lookout for algae. Officials often say, "When in doubt, stay out!"

Published on 08/20/2026 under News Beyond high-profile races atop the ballot, voters in Minocqua will decide on a school funding request this November. At a meeting earlier this week, the Minocqua J1 School District finalized a recurring operational referendum question for the upcoming election. The district includes Minocqua-Hazelhurst-Lakeland (MHLT), along with Creative Minds Charter School and Lakeland STAR Charter School. If approved, the measure would allow the district to exceed state revenue limits by $3.5 million annually. District officials estimate the initial property tax impact will be approximately 66 cents per $1,000 of equalized property value, though they project the mill rate could decrease over time due to rising property values and declining enrollment. To help community members review the proposal before casting their ballots, the district is launching an informational website and planning several public presentations. According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction-Referenda Reporting Portal, more than 40 school districts across the state are seeking voter approval for referendum funding this fall.

Published on 08/20/2026 under News A group of roving volunteers recently rolled into the Northwoods to lend a hand at a local bird rescue and rehabilitation facility. The RV Volunteer Friends (RVVF) are a crew of Good Samaritans who spend their retirement traveling the country in motorhomes, donating their time and skills to maintenance projects at non-profits, state parks, and historic sites. Last month, the travelers made a stop at the Raptor Education Group, Inc. (REGI) in Antigo. During their two-week stay, the volunteers completed a wide range of property upgrades, including general maintenance, hanging new doors, adding roof snow guards to bird enclosures, and repairing fencing. REGI staff noted that the volunteers' infectious energy left a lasting mark on the team, while their stay provided a welcome boost to the local Antigo economy. Just as quickly as they arrived, the volunteers packed up and hit the road for their next project—leaving behind a re-energized team and a safer home for recovering wildlife.

Published on 08/20/2026 under News For the second time in a month, a local restaurant is warning customers about unauthorized promotional mailers circulating in the community. The latest alert comes from Castaways in Tomahawk. The mailers advertise an upcoming seminar hosted by MASA Medical Air Services, offering attendees a free meal at the restaurant. However, Castaways clarified that the promotion was not created, approved, or authorized by their management. They emphasized that any legitimate promotions will come directly from Castaways or be announced on their official Facebook page. A similar warning was issued in July by The Loop Hole after similar unapproved flyers were sent out to local residents.

Published on 08/20/2026 under News With the new school year just around the corner, parents scrambling to check student-athlete physicals off their back-to-school to-do lists can tackle two needs with a single appointment. According to Dr. Sarah Dennison, a pediatrician with Aspirus Health, scheduling a comprehensive annual well-child visit satisfies sports participation requirements while offering a far broader look at a child's overall development. Unlike a standard sports physical, which focuses strictly on athletic eligibility, an annual checkup evaluates a child's physical growth, mental health, and medical history. Dr. Dennison notes that these visits allow providers to review past injuries like concussions, address changes in health history, and discuss year-round habits such as proper hydration and nutrition. Getting a full checkup helps catch underlying concerns early so they don't impact a student's health, academic performance, or athletic season down the road. Parents heading to their child's appointment should bring along any required school or athletic participation forms so providers can complete the necessary paperwork well before practices and competitions begin.

Published on 08/19/2026 under Sports A Hatchet athlete will continue her softball career in the Fox Cities after she graduates. Tomahawk Senior Averi Petta announced her commitment yesterday to play softball at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. In her three years in Tomahawk, Petta pitched and played in the infield. In a statement, Petta extended a thank you to her parents for their unconditional support. She also thanked Coaches John Larson and Ron Volz for helping her grow from her first day of practice as a freshman. As for her athletic career, Petta will wrap up her high school career as a hitter on the Hatcher Volleyball squad in the fall while also playing for Tomahawk's softball squad in the spring.

Published on 08/19/2026 under News The Lincoln County Board took another step towards potentially replace the county's aging highway facilities in Tomahawk and Merrill. At their meeting Tuesday, the board approved a twice-amended resolution supporting the development of plans for new Highway Department buildings at the existing Tomahawk and Merrill sites. This was based on recommendations by the County's Highway Committee as well as an Ad Hoc Facility Committee. Other options included identifying new sites or consolidating operations into a single central location. They concluded that rebuilding on current sites was the most cost-effective approach: saving on land purchases, preserving existing infrastructure like fueling and salt storage, and service in both the northern and southern halves of the county. The original resolution was amended to allocate up to $175,000 from the Highway Department budget to cover site surveys, architectural plans, and initial cost estimates. A second amendment removed language referencing a potential move of the Forestry Department. Responsibility for oversight now shifts to the Public Property Committee. The full County Board will review all completed site plans and financial estimates before any construction receives final approval. If the project progresses to the building stage, construction on the Tomahawk and Merrill facilities will likely be scheduled sequentially for logistical purposes.

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