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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 Boys Swimmers Win GNC Double Dual

Published on 01/27/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's male swimmers would go 2-0 in their double dual at Medford Monday night. The Hatchets began the night with a 69-57 victory over the host Medford. Tomahawk would then defeat Lakeland to cap off their night, 81-20. The Hatchets had six first-place finishes in the double dual. Dane Dekiep would place first in the 100 backstroke and 200 IM. Bruce Peetz took the top spot in the 200 Freestyle and the 50 Freestyle. This concludes the Hatchet Boys' Swim regular season. Tomahawk finishes with a 5-7 dual record. The postseason for Tomahawk begins February 6th at the Great Northern Conference Invite in Lakeland.

Published on 01/27/2026 under Sports The Hatchet basketball squads were swept in their doubleheader at Rhinelander Monday night. Tomahawk's boys lost their seventh straight game and their seventh Great Northern Conference game, losing to the Hodags, 90-25. As for the girls, they would surrender 38 second-half points, losing to the Hodags, 72-33. Freya Alberg led the way in scoring for the Hatchets with 16 points. The Hatchet boys now sit at 2-13 on the season and 0-7 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk's girls fall to 9-7 on the season and 3-5 in GNC play. The Hatchet boys are back in action Friday against Northland Pines. Tomahawk's girls are back on the court Tuesday in Wausau East. Tip is at 7:15.

Published on 01/27/2026 under News The Town of Boulder Junction is turning 100 next year, and the community is planning to celebrate. To recognize this milestone anniversary of their founding, the town established a Boulder Junction Centennial Committee plan festivities. In the works are a town-wide birthday party, a historical theater performance, a special Musky Jamboree parade, an art installation, a commemorative plaque, and a history publication. They're also looking for the community to help by providing memories. On Monday, the Committee put out a call for people to share photos and stories of their times in Boulder Junction that will be used throughout the celebration. They even provided a list of potential story topics like favorite places, first memories, falling in love (with the town or another person), funny stories, or even animal encounters. The committee did remind people to make sure the stories are true and kept PG-13. They've already got a Facebook page and a website at BoulderJunctionHistory.org with updates, information, and contacts.

Published on 01/27/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk is encouraging residents to be mindful of what they're flushing down toilets and dumping in drains. The warning comes from the Waste Water Department after several issues at the treatment facility due to improper items being placed into the system. Among items of concern are grease, paper toweling, sanitary products, and even flushable wipes. Crews note that these items do not easily break down and can cause major clogs in pipes, pumps and other equipment. That results in overtime calls, emergency repairs, and even home backups. These items should instead be placed into the garbage.

Published on 01/27/2026 under News Aspirus Health facilities in the region have once again been recognized for their efforts when it comes to trees. The Arbor Day Foundation recently named all 18 Aspirus Health hospitals as 2025 Tree Campus institutions. That becomes even more impressive considering fewer than 75 hospitals in the entire country are designated as Tree Campus institutions. The program recognizes healthcare facilities, along with schools and universities for their dedication to enhancing community well-being through tree investment, education and community engagement. For health care facilities specifically, trees and green spaces have been shown to improve health outcomes and reduce stress for both patients and caretakers. Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation said, "By integrating trees and green spaces into their campuses, Aspirus hospitals are not only creating healing environments today, but they are also building a foundation for healthier, more resilient communities in the future." There are certain criteria facilities must meet to receive the recognition. That includes maintaining a tree advisory committee, investing in a tree campus program, and completing a community forestry project.

Published on 01/27/2026 under News A popular chocolate bar promotion is returning to the downtown Rhinelander, just in time for Valentine's Day. Monday marked the start of Downtown Rhinelander Inc's annual Taste of Chocolate fundraiser. They've once again partnered with Fun Factory Sweet Shoppe to produce 1,200 bars of chocolate in 12 specialty flavors for the promotion. Just a few examples include chocolate waffle cone, sea salt caramel, and dark chocolate amaretto. Taste of Chocolate is one of the DRI's largest fundraising efforts, while also bringing people into the district to visit the more than two dozen participating businesses. And they also took a page from Willie Wonka by hiding golden tickets into the packaging twelve chocolate bars. The lucky recipients will be entered into a drawing for Downtown Rhinelander Bucks, the district's promotional currency. While the promotion runs through February 14th, it is while supplies last. With just 1,200 bars, they typically go quickly. Additional information including participating businesses are found on the Downtown Rhinelander Facebook.

Published on 01/27/2026 under News A Tennessee man convicted of shooting a Lincoln County man in the shoulder last year was ordered to serve 12 years in prison. Bobby Dabbs was back in Lincoln County Court Monday for his sentencing hearing. In November, the 27 year old pleaded no contest to 1st degree reckless injury and resisting or obstructing an officer. As part of the plea agreement, three other charges dismissed, but were considered during yesterday's sentencing. Deputies initially investigated a shooting in the Gleason area last February. The victim was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the shoulder. The suspect, identified as Dabbs, had left the scene. He was arrested the following month in Tennessee and extradited back to Wisconsin. After the initial 12 year prison sentence, Dabbs was ordered to serve 8 years of supervised release. He'll be ordered to pay court costs, and restitution will be determined.

Published on 01/27/2026 under News Those flying out of the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport will be able to check out artwork created right here in the Northwoods by student artists. The airport partners with ArtStart to host rotating art displays throughout the year, highlighting local artists and entertaining weary travelers. The latest airport exhibit features the work of artists currently studying at Nicolet College. It includes a variety of mediums and highlights the next generation of creativity here in the Northwoods. The exhibit opened last weekend, and it will remain on display through the end of February. The exhibition is open to non-travelers as well, and parking at the airport is free up to 4 hours making a visit easy.

Published on 01/26/2026 under News More than a dozen community organizations in Tomahawk are receiving belated Christmas gifts, and its all thanks to the Tomahawk Community Thrift Shop. Over the past 6 years, the Tomahawk Community Thrift Shop has gifted more than a quarter million dollars ($270,000 since 2019) to local non-profits through their twice yearly profit distribution. After taking care of their operational costs, the return approximately 75% of their profit to the community. Ahead of their ceremonial check presentations, Joe and Bonnie Trapp stopped by to discuss the store and the latest grant recipients. The Trapps serve on the Board and also as volunteers in the store. The January cycle was record-setting. Eighteen grant recipients will share in $52,000, ranging from $650 to $6,000. Joe said the board considers need and impact on the community in reviewing applications. This includes everything from the TAIV-transportation program and Hometown Christmas to Music on the River and Lincoln County Health Community Baby Shower. (Full list of recipients below) People can help in this mission by continuing to shop at the Thrift Store, or even consider volunteering. This past year, volunteers, including the Trapps, provided more than 7,000 hours of service. For non-profits, the next rounds of grants will be awarded in July. The application period opens May 1-June 30. Recipients and a short description: Tomahawk Boy Scouts-hosting the regional Pinewood Derby; Tomahawk Boy Scouts-transportation to leadership conference; Tomahawk Area Interfaith Volunteers-transportation program; Christmas in July; Apex Angels and Warriors; Islands of Brilliance-program for neurodivergent youth; Our Sisters House-temporary housing shelter; Tomahawk School District-summer school; Newborn Supply Closet-diapers and wipes; Hometown Christmas-additional decorations around the community; Tomahawk Food Pantry, Veterans' Honor Guard-cold weather uniforms; St Marys School-music equipment; Kinship-additional transportation services; Tomahawk Public Library-items and programing; Lincoln County Health Department-community baby shower; Music on the River-additional week of music; Tomahawk Historical Society; and WaWui-upgrades to bleachers.

Published on 01/26/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's hockey squad won their sixth straight game at SARA Park Saturday afternoon, defeating Baldwin-Woodville, 5-4. The Hatchets outshot the Hawks, 55-27 and allowed just one power play goal out of six penalties. Tomahawk scored the first goal of the day, when Landyn Seymour tipped in a shot from the point by Jake Albert and led 1-0 4:30 minutes into the game. Jett Reilly also assisted on the Seymour goal. Jonah Dickens scored his first goal of the game 00:44 seconds later and Tomahawk led 2-0. Reilly and Seymour assisted. Baldwin-Woodville scored 00:18 seconds later and Tomahawk led 2-1 with 11:31 left in the second. Jett Reilly scored 3:04 remaining in the first to give Tomahawk a 3-1 lead. Rex Reilly and Mason Jaecks assisted on the goal. Baldwin-Woodville closed out the first period scoring with 2:33 remaining and Tomahawk led 3-2. The Hatches outshot the Hawks 25-8 in the first period. Jonah Dickens scored his second goal of the game 5:00 minutes into the second period and Tomahawk led 4-2. The Hawks would respond, scoring 1:23 later and cut the Hatchet lead to 4-3. Dickens completed his hat trick with 1:54 left in the second period; Jett Reilly and Jake Albert assisted on the goal. Tomahawk led 5-3 after two. The Hawks would score the only goal of the third, with just 1:03 remaining. Tomahawk outshot Baldwin-Woodville 52-28 and Hudson Seymour gets the win with 24 saves. With his hat trick, Jonah Dickens is now tied for third all-time in career points scored in Wisconsin State Hockey History. The Hatchets improve their record to 16-3 on the season. Tomahawk will go for their third consecutive Great Northern Conference Title Tuesday against Mosinee. Alex Koch and Zach Garner will be in the broadcast booth with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show at 6:35 and Opening Faceoff at 7:00 from SARA Park in Tomahawk.

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