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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 Defeats St. Mary's Springs, 5-2

Published on 02/02/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's hockey squad won their eighth straight game Saturday, defeating St. Mary Springs in Fond du Lac, 5-2. Tomahawk got on the board first, as Jonah Dickens lit the lamp with an assist from Jett Reilly and Tomahawk led with 9:27 left in the first. Five minutes later, that duo would team up again for the second Hatchet goal, as Dickens scored from Reilly and Tomahawk led 2-0 after the first. Tomahawk would build their lead to 3-0 with 12:38 remaining in the second; Brayden Lamer scores on the power play, with assists to Dickens and Reilly. Dickens would score his 40th goal of the year on a shorty with 11:23 left in the second. Landyn Seymour and Reilly assisted. Seymour would cap off the Hatchet second period scoring, with an even strength goal with 1:28 left in the second. Dickens and Reilly get the assists. Tomahawk led 5-0 after two periods of play. St. Mary's Spring would score their two goals late in the third period, both on power plays from Teigue Wagner. Hudson Seymour had 22 saves for the Hatchets. The Hatchets improve to 18-3 on the season. Tomahawk looks to finish the Great Northern Conference season undefeated Tuesday up in Eagle River against Northland Pines. Puck drop is at 7:00.

Published on 02/02/2026 under Sports The Hatchet boys' wrestlers would finish second in the Elcho Scramble Saturday. Tomahawk finished with 237.5 points, finished behind only Manitowoc Lincoln. The Hatchets would have three first place finishers in the meet. Wally Horabik would win the 144-pound bracket. Also placing first were Kaiden Kapellusch at 175 pounds and Nathan Norman at 215 pounds. Tomahawk is back in action Monday for a Great Northern Conference dual match with Antigo at the Hatchet House. Events begin at 6:30.

Published on 02/02/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's female wrestler would place sixth at the Husky Challenge in Eau Claire North Saturday morning. The Hatchets finished with 107 team points, five behind Eau Claire North and St. Croix Falls. Fellow Lincoln County School Merrill would win the challenge Saturday. Three Hatchets would finish fourth place in the invite. Kylie Peissig, Kaylee Roberts, Kami Gabrich, and Lillian Taves all placed in the top four. The Hatchets hit the mats for the Great Northern Conference Meet in Medford Friday night. Alex Koch and Tony Derleth will have the broadcast on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pre-meet Show at 4:40 and opening events beginning at 5:00.

Published on 02/02/2026 under News At their annual awards celebration this weekend, the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized another group of individuals that have contributed their time and talents to the community. The Chamber honors those who have made the Tomahawk area a better place to live, work, and play. And in this community, there is never a shortage of candidates. The Ambassador Award is presented to an individual, organization or business who presents the community in a positive light. It was awarded to Tomahawk Music on the River. They're the group behind the free, weekly concert series in Memorial Park during the summer. Next, the Spirit Award, was presented to Chris Bembinster, a long-term volunteer with WaWui and SARA Park. A new award this year, Small Business of the Year, was voted on by the community. We, at WJJQ Radio, were grateful to accept this award. The final award of the evening was for Lifetime Achievement. It was presented to Patti Hilgendorf. Hilgendorf is the long-time director of the youth mentor program known as Tomahawk Kinship. A congratulations go out to all of this year's recipients.

Published on 02/02/2026 under News A family was displaced following a fire in Vilas County over the weekend. Responders were called to a house fire on Trails End Road in Land O'Lakes at shortly before 1am Sunday morning. The initial report indicated a fire originating in the chimney that was spreading to the roof. Firefighters were unable to save the home, it was considered a total loss. The occupants were able to safely evacuate and no injuries were reported. The fire remains under investigation.

Published on 02/02/2026 under News Those visiting the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest this spring or summer may be asked to complete a short survey and/or interview. The National Visitor Use Monitoring survey is conducted every five years, and this year the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is on the schedule. According to the announcement, the surveys will be conducted at recreation sites and along forest service roads in the forest. Contract employees will wear bright orange vests and there will be signs saying "Traffic Survey Ahead." Questions may include where in the CNNF you visited and how long, along with satisfaction of the visit. Some participants may also be asked to complete a supplemental survey on recreation spending to measure the economic impact on local communities. Surveys are voluntary and all responses are confidential; and last about ten minutes. Surveys will be conducted through Sept. 30, 2026.

Published on 02/02/2026 under News Bob Ross became a household name by painting happy little trees. Now a virtual race in his honor will be returning to Wisconsin to benefit trees in state parks and other properties. The DNR recently announced that the 'Happy Little 5k' will be offered in Wisconsin once again the spring. It's part of a larger event that began in Michigan in 2019 in partnership with Bob Ross, Inc. The program continues to expand each year, with more than 10,000 participants joining the 2025 event. Participants can now choose from 17 states to represent, including Wisconsin. Ross was known for his calming voice and passion for creating scenic landscape paintings on his instructional show on PBS, the Joy of Painting. Ross often referred to 'happy little trees' in his paintings inspiring the name of the race. It is a virtual 5k, so participants can pick their own routes. The race period falls in April, around the week of Earth Day and Arbor Day. By selecting to represent Wisconsin in the race, a portion of the registration fee will go towards tree planting and forest health efforts in Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas. Participants will also receive a shirt, virtual bib number and medal. Registration is now open, we'll include a link.

Published on 02/02/2026 under News Campers in Vilas County will have a new way to book their sites. The County Forestry, Recreation, and Land Department has launched a new campground website and reservation system. The website has been available for a few days now, and as of Monday morning, the campsite reservation system is active as well. According to Vilas County Parks and Recreation Supervisor Todd Bierman, This site will be the gateway for camping information on the Vilas County Forest and will be the connecting piece for making reservations..." In addition to the reservation system, Each campground has a page with information, photos, and reviews. People can visit the website at vilascountyrec.com.

Published on 01/30/2026 under News The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about the reappearance of a 'missed jury duty' scam. Over the past few days, the Sheriff's Office, along with the Clerk of Courts Office, have received reports or questions from residents who have been contacted by these scammers. The caller states that an individual missed grand jury duty on January 12. Investigators believe they are using a specific date to make the call appear more realistic and urgent. The scammers are masking the number to appear local with a 715 area code (715-814-3041 specifically). When calling that number back, even the voicemail message claims to be the Sheriff's Office even though the number is not affiliated. In the warning, the Sheriff's Office reminds residents to be vigilant, never share personal or financial information. They note that most of their official business is conducted in-person, they may occasionally attempt contact by phone. If you are suspicious of an unsolicited phone call, hang up and call back using a known number. The Sheriff's Office says they will understand the situation.

Published on 01/30/2026 under News It's shaping up to be a great snowmobiling weekend here in the Northwoods. Riders will be sharing the trails with law enforcement for a safety campaign. The DNR and their partners will be bringing back a Sled Safe education and enforcement. Wardens will be sharing snowmobile safety tips with riders, while also keeping an eye out for operators who may be impaired or causing safety problems for themselves and others. There have been six fatal snowmobile crashes in Wisconsin this year. DNR off-highway vehicle administrator Lt. Jacob Holsclaw says, "I can't stress enough how important it is for snowmobile operators to be safe, responsible and sober." A few other safety tips riders may receive: Always operate within the limits of your skills, visibility and snowmobile. Be mindful at road crossings. Stay on marked trails. The Sled Safe outreach is scheduled each of the next two weekends (Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and again on Feb. 6-8) They hope the safety message stays with snowmobilers throughout the riding season.

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