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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

Local Artists Create Designs for Antigo Light Pole Banners

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Published on 09/07/2026 under News The first Monday in September marks Labor Day, a long weekend where many workers get a well-deserved day off. Established as a federal holiday in 1894, Labor Day honors the American labor movement and recognizes the vital contributions of workers. While many in the Northwoods celebrate with cookouts or trips to the cabin, Merrill marks the holiday with two beloved annual community events. Festivities kick off this morning with the annual Labor Day Parade at 10:00 a.m. After winding down near the courthouse, the action shifts to the Merrill Fairgrounds, where the Lions Club is hosting its annual Labor Day Car Show, a tradition still going strong after more than four decades. Organizers say the show typically draws 200 to 250 entries. While classic vehicles from the 1960s and '70s are the most common, attendees can expect to see everything from 1920s models to modern classics. During the event, the city also plans to announce the winner of its summer-long America's 250th Decorating Contest.

Published on 09/07/2026 under News Lower-than-normal water levels could create additional challenges for late-summer and early-fall boaters. According to the DNR, ongoing drought conditions across much of the state are causing water bodies to drop below their typical levels. Problems can start right at the boat launch. Officials recommend checking the end of the ramp before backing down, using a spotter, and utilizing your winch instead of powering onto the trailer. Boaters should monitor water levels closely and plan an early or alternate removal if needed. Out on the water, navigators should stay alert, as lower water levels may expose additional hazards. Keep a sharp eye out for submerged stumps, rocks, and sandbars. As for fish and wildlife, the DNR does not anticipate any immediate impacts. Fish may concentrate in smaller areas, but the added stress will likely reduce their appetite. Meanwhile, staff have not observed any widespread negative impacts on wildlife populations, noting that local species are generally adaptable to changing conditions.

Published on 09/07/2026 under News Labor Day marks the last hurrah for summer travel, and officials are urging drivers to prioritize safety on area roadways. Here in the Northwoods, traffic is expected to be heaviest heading south on Monday afternoon. For those closing up cabins for the season, hauling extra cargo and trailers is common practice. Officials remind drivers to ensure all loads are properly secured, not only to prevent lost items, but also to protect motorists traveling behind you. Trailer Safety Checklist:Check tires and lights: Inspect tire pressures and lights, especially if the trailer has been in storage all summer.Match the hitch: Ensure the hitch ball and coupler are the exact same size and latched securely.Use safety chains: Crisscross safety chains under the trailer tongue before heading out.Standard rules of the road still apply: obey posted speed limits, buckle up, and avoid distracted driving. Law enforcement is also participating in the statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign through Labor Day.

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Published on 09/07/2026 under News Governor Evers' planned stop at the Chequamegon School District on Friday was canceled due to nearby threats unrelated to his visit. Price County Dispatch received a call from a man making terroristic threats and expressing suicidal thoughts at a business in the Town of Lake. Multiple agencies responded, taking the man into custody without incident. Around that same time, Gov. Evers was scheduled to visit the Chequamegon School-South Campus. As a precaution during the incident, the school was placed in a secure hold; and the Governor's visit cancelled. Authorities noted that the threats did not appear to be connected to his planned visit. The stop was intended to be part of the governor's annual statewide Back-to-School tour. A former science teacher and school administrator, Gov. Evers is marking his 50th back-to-school season and his final one as governor.

Published on 09/04/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's football squad would fail to shake off another slow start in their Great Northern Conference opener Friday night at Hatchet Field, losing to Wausau East, 23-14. The Hatchets were able to move the ball for three out of the four quarters against Wausau East. Unfortunately, Tomahawk was unable to overcome an early 16-0 deficit behind two first-half touchdowns from the Lumberjacks' Xander Klein. The Hatchets rushed for a season-high 183 yards on 40 carries. Max Larson led the way with 69 yards and a touchdown. Henry Nieman finished with a receiving touchdown and an interception. Tomahawk falls to 0-3 on the season and 0-1 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back at Hatchet Field next week to welcome Antigo. The Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin begins at 6:15 and kickoff is at 7:00. Alex Koch and Jon Long will be in the broadcast booth. Other Northwoods Football Scores: 11-Player Football: Coleman 28, Northland Pines 16 Marathon 19, Crandon 0 Mosinee 33, Antigo 14 Merrill 42, Lakeland 13 Medford 62, Rhinelander 20 Regis 42, Abbotsford 0 8-Player Football: Suring 56, Goodman-Pembine 6 Hurley 22, Phillips 6 Laona-Wabeno 44, Rib Lake 6 Three Lakes/Phelps 64, Chequamegon 0

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Published on 09/04/2026 under News One person is dead following a UTV crash in Price County earlier this week. According to a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) incident report, the crash occurred Wednesday in the Town of Emery, east of Phillips. A 72-year-old man was driving along an established road route when he veered off the roadway, causing the machine to roll over. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his name. This marks Wisconsin's 33rd fatal ATV/UTV crash this year. As we covered earlier this week, the DNR and local recreation deputies are conducting their "Think Smart Before You Start" ATV/UTV safety and enforcement campaign through the Labor Day holiday weekend.

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