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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

Tomahawk City Council Approves Special Event Applications; Kids Fishing Contest Returning

Published on 05/06/2026 under News A traditional youth fishing event in Tomahawk is set to return next month after a several year absence, and organizers have now received approval from the city. Tomahawk VFW Post 2687 is working to revive the Kids Fishing Contest. The event was previously organized by Tomahawk Fishing Unlimited, but went away as the group disbanded. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk City Council approved the special event application to host the event at their old location in Memorial Park. It will take place on June 6, coinciding with the DNR's Free Fishing Weekend. This was by design to allow adults helping the youth anglers to do so without purchasing a license. Earlier this year, the VFW put out a call for fishing equipment donations to help support the return. The Kid's Fishing Contest was one of four special event applications approved by the Council. The others are annual events with minimal changes: the Rodd Timm Memorial Softball Tournament, the Lion's Club Thrilla on the Grilla, and Tomahawk Hometown Christmas. Each was approved unanimously and with minimal discussion. Council Recap: It was an other routine Council meeting, coming just two weeks after a delayed April meeting to account for the election. Relatedly, they approved two resolutions recognizing outgoing Mayor Steve Taskay and Alderman Dale Ernst. Neither sought re-election. The Council approved an ordinance increase court costs for the Municipal Court by $10. This was in accordance with a change to state statute. The Council approved a state/municipal financial agreement for design work on South Tomahawk Avenue from Somo Avenue to the Wisconsin River Bridge. It's on the state docket for 2032. They also approved a professional service agreement with MSA for the wastewater facilities plan.

Published on 05/06/2026 under News It's National Travel and Tourism Week, and Governor Evers was on the move in Northern Wisconsin Tuesday. The Governor was joined by Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers during yesterday's visits to Athens and Cable. He was there to highlight three consecutive years of both record breaking tourism and outdoor recreation. The visit to Athens included gravel-biking, a hybrid sport that takes from both road and mountain bikes. The Governor, Sayers and some guides from Ride Wisconsin Gravel took to the Athens Graventure Trail. Ongoing efforts of the Wisconsin Gravel Roads Project aims to establish North Central Wisconsin as a premier destination for gravel bike riding utilizing existing granite- gravel dairy roads. The stop in Cable was set to include a visit to the Cable Natural History Museum and a visit to Wayside Wanderings Natural Play Area. Evers said, "Every year during Travel and Tourism Week, I'm jazzed to be able to travel across the state, showcasing all we have to offer, the success of Wisconsin's tourism industry, and all the hardworking folks who keep it humming. I encourage all Wisconsinites to join us in celebrating the amazing industry that bolsters our economies, creates jobs, and helps make our state the great place it is to live, work, and, of course, visit." The 2025 economic impact report for Wisconsin's tourism industry will be released in June.

Published on 05/06/2026 under News Due to popular demand, Wisconsin Public Service is extending the voting in a naming contest for the peregrine falcon chicks set to hatch at its Weston Power Plant. Thousands of voters have already cast their selections to name this year's chicks after news anchors from the area. According to the update, this contest has officially broken the record for total votes cast in any naming contest since the first one in 2019. People can now vote through Sunday. WPS also provided an update on the area peregrine nesting pair. Sheldon and an unbanded female falcon are caring for four eggs at the Weston Power Plant nest box. The eggs arrived in early April, so they should begin hatching at any time. Those interested can follow along on the WPS live nest box webcams to watch for emerging chicks.

Published on 05/06/2026 under News The first Wednesday in May marks the return of WaWui Bingo in Tomahawk. For nearly four decades, the weekly summer bingo games have served as an additional revenue source and fundraiser for Wawui which operates the SARA Park facility. The games feature a rotating stable of bingo callers, volunteers, and some special themed nights. Many regulars have lucky tables, daubers and other charms to help them win the prize. For those unfamiliar, the first series of games offer traditional games and smaller payouts. The final game, players hope to black-out their card in a set number to claim the progressive prize, which builds each week it's not claimed. It's been awhile since the last winner, and the Jackpot has grown to more than $4,000. And while there is plenty of tradition, a bit of a change this year Organizers have moved up the bingo start time by a half an hour in an effort to get the crowd home a bit earlier. With the change, Wawui Bingo games will now begin at 6:30pm.

Published on 05/06/2026 under News As anglers cast their lines across Wisconsin during last weekend's fishing opener, state officials are looking ahead to the future of those waters. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is developing a new Fisheries Management Strategic Plan and is asking for public input to help guide how the state's fisheries will be managed over the next decade. The plan will address stewardship of Wisconsin's vast aquatic resources, which include more than 160 fish species, 15,000 lakes, 42,000 miles of rivers and streams, the Great Lakes, and portions of the Mississippi River. DNR officials say careful planning is essential to maintaining healthy fish populations and ensuring high-quality fishing opportunities. The updated strategy will outline goals and measurable outcomes designed to support both ecosystems and the people who rely on them. The public can weigh in on proposed management priorities online, that survey is open now through May 10.

Published on 05/06/2026 under News Charges have been filed against a man involved in an alleged hit and run in Oneida County last month. According to court records, Robert Cookson made his initial appearance in Oneida County Court Friday. The 59 year old was charged with hit and run causing great bodily harm, aggravated battery intending great bodily harm, and a concealed carry misdemeanor. The incident happened last month near the intersection of Kelly Fire Lane and Rozell Road in the Town of Little Rice. The victim was pinned between Cookson's vehicle and her own, suffering numerous injuries. Cookson allegedly fled the scene, and arrested during a subsequent traffic stop. Bond was set at $100,000. An adjourned initial appearance has been scheduled for May 18.

Published on 05/06/2026 under Sports The Hatchet track and field squads would each finish second in the T-Bird Outdoor Invite at Lakeland Tuesday night. Each of Tomahawk's boys' and girls' squads came away with a second-place individual finish. For the girls, Alicia Voermans would finish second in the Pole Vault with a leap of 9'6". On the boys' side, it was Lukas Morrison who placed second in the long jump with a leap of 17'9.25". The next invite for Tomahawk is Friday in Merrill. The Otto Bacher Invite begins at 4:00.

Published on 05/06/2026 under Sports The Hatchet golfers would place fifth in their Great Northern Conference Invite at Bass Lake Country Club in Antigo Tuesday afternoon. Tomahawk finished with a team score of 359, six strokes behind fourth-place Rhinelander. The Hatchets' top golfer was Jaxon Kaiser, who placed 13th overall. Tomahawk's next Great Northern Conference meet is Friday afternoon at Eagle River Golf Course, hosted by Northland Pines. Tee-off is at 3:00.

Published on 05/06/2026 under Sports The Hatchet baseball squad would settle for a split against Mosinee, getting dominated at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field Tuesday, 15-1. Tomahawk gave up nine hits total in the game and allowed eight runs to score in the second. The Hatchets mustered just one hit all game, a first-inning RBI single from Brody Hilgendorf, scoring Wally Horabik. Logan Norman absorbed the loss, allowing 11 runs in two innings of work. The loss drops Tomahawk to 5-7 on the season and 4-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets try to get back in the win column Friday night in Minocqua against Lakeland. First pitch is at 5:00.

Published on 05/06/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's softball squad suffered their third shutout loss of the season Tuesday, falling to Mosinee, 10-0. The Hatchets mustered just two hits on the day, singles from Averi Petta and Siennah Calkins. Tomahawk committed six errors on the day, allowing five unearned runs to score off of Hatchet pitcher Camryn Kraklow. The loss drops Tomahawk to 8-8 on the season and 5-6 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the field Thursday evening at Hatchet Field for a Great Northern Conference showdown with Lakeland. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will have the broadcast on Sports Talk 810 AM.97.7 FM WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show begins at 4:35 and first pitch is at 5:00.

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