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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 Girls Basketball Team Sweeps Merrill

Published on 02/09/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's girls' basketball squad notched their second straight win in as many days Friday night at the Hatchet House, completing the sweep of the Merrill Blue Jays, 44-32. The Hatchets rode the back of Senior Center Freya Alberg to get their 12th win of the season. Alberg led all scorers with a season-high 25 points. The win moves Tomahawk to 12-9 on the season and 6-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action Tuesday for the second half of a girls-boys doubleheader against Rhinelander.

Published on 02/09/2026 under Sports The Hatchet female wrestlers would place third at the first-ever Great Northern Conference Girls Wrestling Meet in Medford Friday night. Tomahawk would have three first-place finishers in the invite. Tomahawk's first-place finishers would come from Kylie Peissig at 144 pounds, Kami Gabrich at 185 pounds, and Abby Doleshal at heavyweight. The Hatchets also had four more wrestlers place in the top three and earn All-Conference honors. The only two teams that placed ahead of Tomahawk were Merrill and Wausau West. The WIAA Girls Regional Meet is Friday from Merrill High School. The opening round will begin at 4:00 pm. Join Alex and Tony for coverage with the Fehrman Orthodontics Pre-meet show at 3:40 pm on Northwoods 92-5, WJJQ.

Published on 02/09/2026 under Sports The Hatchet boys' basketball squad was trounced in a Great Northern Conference match-up with Merrill Friday night, losing 82-23. The loss drops Tomahawk to 2-16 on the season and 0-10 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action Monday night for a non-conference showdown with Northland Lutheran in Kronenwetter. Tip-off is at 7:00.

Published on 02/09/2026 under Sports The Hatchet male swimmers would finish third in the GNC Meet at the Thunderbird Pool in Minocqua Friday night. Tomahawk would finish behind Shawano/Seymour and Rhinelander in the meet. Bruce Peetz was the top Hatchet finisher across two different events. Peetz would place second in the 50 and 100 yard freestyles. GNC Boys Swimming Standings This concludes the Hatchet Swim Regular Season. The WIAA Division 2 Boys Swim Sectionals are in Rice Lake next Saturday.

Published on 02/09/2026 under News There are a lot of hodags in and around the Rhinelander community. A new art project in the works will capture the mythical beast in a unique medium. Wisconsin artist Don Gaber, known for his distinctive reclaimed-metal sculptures, has been commissioned to create what will be known as the Iron Hodag. Gaber's work incorporates discarded, donated, scavenged, and vintage materials, transforming them into large-scale artworks that reflect the history and character of the communities where they are created. True to that approach, the Iron Hodag will be built using materials sourced from the Rhinelander area. Gaber aims to weave local heritage directly into the sculpture by incorporating items such as paper mill artifacts, lumberjack memorabilia, vintage license plates, old metal advertising, machinery parts, and former business or tourism signage. He's already got an approximately 8 foot long metal skeleton, and now they're seeking the community to contribute reclaimed metal materials celebrating Rhinelander's history and creative spirit. Former Rhinelander residents Ron and Elise Gaber have commissioned the creation of this public art piece. While they now call Missouri home, they regularly return to the Northwoods, while also incorporating the hodag legend and culture into their life in Missouri. They noted, "Once a Hodag, always a Hodag." For those who have reclaimed materials that may be of use for this project, we'll include a link with contact information for consideration. David Gaber: gaberssuperiorview@gmail.com Janet Jamison: jamisjan@rhinelander.k12.wi.us They hope to unveil the completed sculpture this summer. Example of Don Gaber iron art work

Published on 02/09/2026 under News A pair of Tomahawk students recently took a trip to the state capitol as part of a student organization. Tomahawk seniors Emma Hoff and Siennah Calkins from Tomahawk Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America participated in the Wisconsin FCCLA Capitol Leadership Conference in Madison. The event brought together youth leaders from across the state for hands-on training in communication, civic engagement, and leadership development. During their visit, the duo had an opportunity to speak with Governor Tony Evers, along with the staff from the offices of Senator Mary Felzkowski, Senator Rob Hutton, and Representative Calvin Callahan. During the Wisconsin FCCLA Capitol Leadership Conference, students gained experience in: Professional Communication & Leadership, Message Development Skills, and Civic Engagement & Relationship Building. Hoff said, "This experience and the knowledge that I gained from the conference helped me strengthen my leadership skills and make new connections. The conference made me feel more confident when speaking with adults and sharing why FCCLA matters in my life. I learned that student leaders can make a real difference when we share our stories." They plan to bring their new skills back to Tomahawk, continuing their community involvement and promoting FCCLA through upcoming competitions, Tomahawk Showcase Night, and the High School FCCLA Blood Drive.

Published on 02/09/2026 under News A Minocqua man convicted on federal charges connected to an investment scheme will serve more than six years in prison. Back in November, Cory Kromray pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges. Investigators said that Kromray used social media to entice investors by falsely portraying himself as a successful trader in stocks, crypto and foreign currency markets. This included posting pictures of lavish vacations, luxury items, and exotic sports cars. Instead of investing money as promised, they said Kromray often used investor money to pay his personal expenses. He also provided some investors with false information about the success of their investments. At the sentencing hearing, Judge William Conley stated that Kromray's investment fraud scheme was "the worst kind of fraud that can be committed," because he took money from his close friends and lied to them about investing it. He ordered Kromray serve 6 years and 8 months in federal prison. He was also ordered to pay more than $828,000 in restitution.

Published on 02/09/2026 under News The Olympics are in full swing, offering a variety of sports including hockey, skiing, and snowboarding. For those inspired to get out and try there own gold-medal skills, it's important to be mindful of head injuries when participating in winter sports. Staff at Aspirus are reminding participants to take concussions seriously. A sport-appropriate helmet is a great start, but it's also important to understand the risks, recognize symptoms, and know what to do when a concussion is suspected. Dr. Joseph Benert is a sports medicine physician at Aspirus. He explained, "When an impact or jolt causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth inside the skull, that's considered a concussion." Dr. Benert offered a few quick tips when it comes to concussions. If you hit your head, take a timeout. He notes that symptoms don't always appear right away, and that can make it hard to know whether a concussion occurred or how serious it might be. Benert also notes that symptoms can be subtle. This may include: headaches, dizziness, confusion, slowed thinking, and vision issues Recovery takes time, and it's also important to communicate with others throughout. Benert says, "Winter sports can be a fun and active way to enjoy the season, as long as safety is a priority. Taking the right precautions doesn't take away the fun."

Published on 02/09/2026 under News The DNR is bringing back a program that provides local libraries with day passes for entrance to state park properties. The Check Out Wisconsin State Parks program launched in 2022 with around two dozen libraries. It has since grown to more than 200 locations including the Tomahawk Public Library and the TB Scott Free Library in Merrill. With the initiative entering a firth year, the DNR continues to expand the scope. Not only can library cardholders check out a day pass, they may also receive an informational kit featuring state park system materials and maps, stickers, and other activities. Missy VanLanduyt, DNR recreation partnerships section supervisor, "There's always something new to discover when you explore Wisconsin's state parks," said. "We offer events, programs, guided hikes, skill-building opportunities and gear-loaner programs to help you make the most of your visit." Library Patrons can contact their local library to inquire about these passes, or encourage their library to join the program.

Published on 02/09/2026 under News The popularity of utility terrain vehicles or UTV's has exploded here in the Northwoods. As the machines evolve, so too must the rules. A new law, authored by state senator Mary Felzkowski reflects some changes to these machines. Wisconsin Act 83 raises the weight limit for a vehicle to be considered a UTV without fluids to 3,500 pounds. UTVs have been increasing in weight as manufacturers added additional technological and safety innovations. Felzkowski said, "As UTVs continue to be a driving force in Wisconsin's tourism industry, it's important that government does not hinder this growth and inadvertently divert tourism dollars to other states. After the bipartisan bill was signed into law, Felzkowski added, "This is a commonsense change, and I'm glad that all parties involved recognized the need for the legislation."

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