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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

Lincoln County Sheriff Warns of Jury Duty Scam Calls

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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.

Published on 01/30/2026 under News Among the concerns with our recent cold spell is frozen pipes. That's especially true for farmers and their livestock. Thankfully some firefighters in Lincoln County were able to help out when the latest bout of cold weather temporarily cut off water supply at a farm earlier this week. The Pine River Fire Department conducted the unusual rescue on Wednesday morning. They explained that a farmer reached out for assistance after his water lines froze, leaving his cows temporarily without fresh water. Firefighters went to the scene and filled up a number of water containers. A neighboring farmer loaned some additional water tanks to get the farmer, and his thirsty cows, by until the water could be restored.

Published on 01/30/2026 under News As part of Salt Awareness Week, we've been talking about reducing the amount of salt being used to treat roadways, driveways, and sidewalks. While the messaging is to protect the environment and infrastructure, sometimes salt isn't the most effective choice. Saltwise Wisconsin is a partner in the campaign and provided a lesson and some data on the science behind the salt. Road salt, or sodium chloride, works by lowering the freezing point of water. This causes the melting even in temperatures below 32 degrees. But the further the temperature drops, the more salt is needed, eventually losing effectiveness. Research has shown that at 30 degrees, one pound of salt will melt 45 pounds of ice in 5 minutes. At 15 degrees, that same pound of ice will only melt 4 pounds of ice in an hour. As we told you earlier this week, a teaspoon of salt is enough to contaminate five gallons of fresh water. There are some additional salt compounds like calcium chloride; that work in colder conditions. These are typically more expensive, and the characteristics that increase melting effectiveness, also increase the corrosive impacts. So when temperatures dip below 20 degrees, sand is often the best solution to simply increase traction.

Published on 01/30/2026 under News The DNR is asking people enjoying some winter recreation to be on the look for and report any black bear dens they come across. It's all part of an ongoing black bear reproduction study. Researchers are studying population estimates, as well as the impacts of human food sources and bear reproduction. Black bear cubs are typically born in late January or early February, and dens are often found during this time because people can hear the cubs squeaking, grunting or humming, usually while they are nursing. People can submit den sightings to the DNR. They are asked to include: GPS coordinates of the den, a photo with surroundings, a description, and any signs of bear activity. Once identified, researchers will monitor dens for cubs to gather data on the litter, while also potentially attaching GPS to the mother bears. This is the fifth year of the study, which was featured in an episode of PBS Wisconsin's "Wisconsin Life" series this fall. Reporting information is available on the DNR website. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR: Bear den survey participants wear protective gear and keep vulnerable cubs warm while DNR staff members fit a GPS collar on the mother bear during den surveys. /

Published on 01/30/2026 under News Car racing is typically reserved for the summer months, but folks in Merrill are gearing up for another season racing on the ice. Saturday marks the return of the Merrill Ice Drags on Lake Alexander. Often called "the fastest 1/8 mile on ice," the Merrill Ice Drags date back to 1965. For those unfamiliar, it can be quite the spectacle of head to head drag racing on the side by side tracks plowed onto Lake Alexander. While some participants have cars that look like street vehicles, others have invested a bit more into paint schemes, spoilers, and special studded tires. For general spectators, the Ice Drags are free, though donations are always welcome. They've also got raffles, merchandise, and concessions. The Ice Draggers have given back to a lengthy list of Merrill community groups over the years. Last weekend's testing and tune-up day was postponed due to the extreme cold. But that also allowed another week of ice making. Racing will take place each of the next 4 Saturdays with the championship on February 21. Races begin at 11:30am.

Published on 01/29/2026 under News Cut down on your salt, it's a common refrain in the doctor's office. But officials are also encouraging a reduction in salt for ice removal this winter. This week is Wisconsin Salt Awareness Week, an effort to educate the public on the impacts that the overuse of salts can have on both the environment and infrastructure. A majority of the salts introduced into our environment comes from road salts. Earlier this week we talked about how road crews have been taking steps to improve their salting practices on roads and highways. But residents can also make a difference, and the DNR offered a few tips for homeowners. First, before applying salt try to clear as much snow and ice as possible from the surface of the driveway or sidewalk. The more snow you remove manually, the less salt you will have to use and the more effective it will be. People often use too much salt during the application. They note that a coffee mug of salt is enough to treat around ten sidewalk squares. A shakeable container with holes on top provides a handy way to spread it. Salts may have different chemical make-ups so follow the instructions on the bag or container. Conditions have to be right for the melting to occur. As temperatures drop under 15 degrees most salts will loose effectiveness. That's when sand becomes a better option in providing traction. The DNR and Wisconsin Saltwise are partners in this campaign. Both have information on their website.

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Published on 01/29/2026 under News Following another successful report on Lincoln Hills from a court appointed monitor, Governor Evers plans to request a federal court end the consent decree. Since a 2018 court ruling, the state has been working towards achieving 50 requirements governing the operations at the youth correctional facility in Irma. Those measures addressed a variety of changes including addressing staffing shortages, training, and support; elimination of several punitive measures like pepper spray, solitary confinement, and mechanical restrains; and improving conditions and services. Monitor Teresa Abreu found all 50 requirements were met in her October report and again in the January report released Wednesday. She wrote, "These measures have produced a demonstrable improvement in the safety, climate, and culture of the facilities." Abreu also advised not to become complacent after achieving these goals. Governor Evers said in a Wednesday news release, "This has been a goal a decade in the making, and it's tremendous to be able to celebrate the completion of reforms at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake schools today. Ending the consent decree marks a step in the right direction, and it is a testament to those who got us to this point today, but our work is not done." This comes as the state is working towards building smaller facilities around the state in an effort to house youth offenders closer to their homes and support networks. Once complete, Lincoln Hills would be converted into an adult facility.

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