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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

Wisconsin Public Service Preparing for Winter Weather, Crews on Standby for Potential Outages

Published on 03/13/2026 under News From plow drivers to utility workers, crews are preparing for potential record-setting winter storms expected to move across northern Wisconsin this weekend. Wisconsin Public Service says strong winds and heavy snow could lead to scattered power outages across their service area. WPS says it is monitoring forecasts has their line workers, forestry crews, and support staff on stand by and ready to respond if any outages occur. The first round of winter weather arrived overnight and will continue into Friday morning. Round two is expected to arrive Saturday night and continue through early Monday morning. Forecasters say most of the region will receive at least a foot of snow. Some areas could receive up to two feet. Utility officials say strong winds can knock trees and branches onto power lines. Heavy snow can weigh down lines and add weight and stress to electrical equipment. The utility is also encouraging residents to prepare by charging phones, gather light sources, and have enough food and water. A couple of other quick reminders they offered...if you use a generator during an outage, do so safely. When clearing snow, be mindful of blocking vents and covering electric meters. Report outages through the company's website, mobile app, or outage hotline. If you come across a downed power line, stay at least 25 feet away.

Published on 03/13/2026 under News A longtime youth fishing tradition in Tomahawk may soon return with help from the community. The Tomahawk VFW Post 2687 is working to revive the local Kids Fishing Contest that was previously organized by Tomahawk Fishing Unlimited. Organizers say the event ended after the group dissolved and its fishing equipment was dispersed To bring the contest back, the VFW is now asking community members to donate gently used fishing gear. Items being requested include closed-bale reels, fishing rods and poles, minnow buckets, tackle boxes, hooks, bobbers, and sinkers. Donations can be dropped off at the VFW post on South Fourth Street in the evenings while the bar is open. Organizers ask that equipment be clean and in good working condition. In addition to the equipment, they're also looking for any community members interested in helping organize the contest. The group hopes to hold the contest during the DNR's Free Fishing Weekend which would allow adults helping the young anglers to do so without having to purchase a license.

Published on 03/13/2026 under News Easter is still a few weeks away, but Tomahawk Main Street is hopping into the holiday a little early. Despite the winter weather, Saturday marks the return of the Downtown SpringFest and Easter Egg-Stravaganza. It's the fifth year for the celebration, and organizers made a few changes, most notably on the calendar. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz says the day will be filled with Easter and Spring-themed activities like games, crafts, contests, and fun adventures with a number of businesses hosting. Of course, the Easter Bunny is expected to be on hand for pictures. In addition to the fun activities; Turkiewicz noted another goal is get people into downtown businesses. She says, "If we get people into our stores, checking out our businesses and services, they might realize what they need for Easter is available right here in our community." Traditionally, the festivities were held the day before Easter, after most families have completed their holiday shopping. By moving it earlier, they hope to give shoppers some extra time to look local. The earlier date also coincides with the kick-off to the Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt rather than the conclusion. This year, Turkiewicz says 22 downtown businesses have hidden an Easter egg. Kids track down the egg, show the staff and get a stamp on their map. Prizes levels are based on the number of eggs located. The deadline is April 4. Information is available at participating businesses, or the Main Street Office and their Socials.

Published on 03/13/2026 under News The Langlade County Health Department is looking to make it easier to find resources for substance use by including them on a newly released interactive map. The map provides a centralized, user-friendly tool that identifies services across the continuum of care, including Prevention, Treatment, Intervention, and Recovery Support. By organizing these resources in one accessible location, the Health Department aims to reduce barriers to care and improve community awareness of available support not only in Langlade County but Northern Wisconsin. Donna Wiergert is the Public Health Nurse in Langlade County. She says, "Access to timely information can save lives. This map strengthens our community response by making it easier for individuals and families to find the help they need." The map is part of an ongoing collaboration involving healthcare providers, community organizations, public safety agencies, and recovery partners. Residents can explore the map on the Health Department's website.

Published on 03/13/2026 under News Price County has a new district attorney. Governor Tony Evers announced the appointment of Alexis Nash as Price County District Attorney, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of former DA Matthew McElroy. Nash will complete the remainder of the term, which runs through January 2029. Nash has worked as an assistant district attorney with the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office since 2023, where she handled a wide range of cases while also working with the Family Drug Treatment Court program. Before becoming a prosecutor, Nash practiced family law and worked in financial services. She has also served as the volunteer executive director of Impact Coalition for Families, a Milwaukee nonprofit focused on preventing domestic and community violence. Nash says she's honored by the appointment and plans to work closely with law enforcement while ensuring the justice system serves the community with fairness and integrity. According to the announcement, Nash has already relocated to Price County to begin the role.

Published on 03/12/2026 under News Tomorrow is Friday the 13th, and Downtown Tomahawk will embrace the spooky spirit. Tomahawk Main Street and the Tomahawk Historical Society are teaming up to host a Ghost Walk. We caught up with Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz and Historical Society president Pat Pietila to discuss the partnership and tomorrow's event. The Ghost Walk is a spooky spin on the Toma-Walk, a historical walking tour through the district. Turkiewicz noted during their research they heard a lot of stories about the supernatural. They reached out to the community and received plenty of feedback. The inaugural edition of the Ghost Walk will feature four stops within the Main Street District with a guided tour, discussions, and even the use of some paranormal equipment. They noted during a trial run, the detectors had some unusual readings. The event concludes at Sideways with an opportunity for participants to share their own campfire ghost stories. The Ghost Walk is a part of a growing partnership between the two organizations. It serves as a fundraiser for their planned Downtown Tomahawk Historical Marker. Pietila explained that once approved by state officials, would go in the boulevard on the north side of the intersection at Wisconsin and Tomahawk. In fact, they teased two additional fundraising events in the works, that they will be announcing shortly. As for the Ghost Walk, that's coming up Friday evening. Registration will take place at the Tomahawk Main Street Office at 4:30. It is an adult-focused event, and the ticket includes a drink at Sideways as well. Tickets are $15. The Ghost Walk is the first of two weekend events in Tomahawk Main Street. Saturday marks the return of the Easter Egg-stravaganza. We'll offer a preview of the kids activities on the Friday morning show.

Published on 03/12/2026 under News The Tomahawk School District has found their next high school principal. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk School Board approved the hiring of Brad Potter to fill the principal vacancy. He is expected to join the district in July, though he won't have to travel far. Potter has more than two decades of experience in the Merrill School District, the first half as a teacher; the last ten as an associate principal. In the announcement, the district said Potter's experience, leadership style, and commitment to continuous improvement make him an excellent fit for the district. Potter says he's excited to join the Tomahawk School District and the "Hatchet Community." He added, ""Great schools are built on strong relationships, shared purpose, and a commitment to continuous learning. I look forward to partnering with our staff, students, and families to keep pushing forward, finding new ways to support every learner and ensuring that every student is truly ready for life." District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry discussed the hire during his visit to the WJJQ studios for the morning conversation including a unique opportunity for some students to take part in the interview process. The district also hopes to have an opportunity for the community to meet Potter this summer. The district has been operating with an interim principal in the high school since early December.

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Published on 03/12/2026 under News From drinking water to water recreation, high quality H2O plays a vital role across Wisconsin. All week long stakeholders including local health departments and environmental agencies are celebrating National Groundwater Awareness Week. Throughout the campaign the groups are educating the public through collaboration and outreach efforts. Data shows that more than 70% of Wisconsinites utilize ground water for drinking water source, one in three use private wells. As part of this week's efforts, officials including local health departments are encouraging residents test their wells on a regular basis. The Oneida County Health Department is even offering a discount on testing kits this week. Experts recommend testing well water for bacteria and nitrate at least once a year, and checking for arsenic and lead every five years, with additional tests depending on local conditions. Meanwhile, the DNR is encouraging residents take steps around the home to protect this crucial natural resource. Among the suggestions: practice water conservation, fix leaks, use native plants and eco-friendly landscaping, and properly dispose of harmful waste to keep chemicals out of the water system. This can include oil, pool chemicals, and even unused prescription medications. Groundwater Awareness Week was first established in 1999 to highlight the responsible management and protection of groundwater, and to recognize the professionals who help ensure safe drinking water supplies.

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